Reposition Stock Skid Plate

Its been a while since i've checked the forums here so I did a search and found nothing about moving the stock skid plate back and up. I came up with the idea when i was washing the mud out of all the nooks and crannies under my FJ. I took a picture so that you can see what i am talking about.

This pic shows that there are several inches lost behind the stock skidplate. By making a new top bracket (the one shown in the picture) and moving the holes on the bottom 2 bolts forward on the plate a couple inches, I should be able to almost have the tow hooks sticking through the skid plate holes.


If somebody has already done this please let me know how it has worked out.

[MIKESCRUISER]

I reposition mine on multiple rocks, both rear bolts torn off and the skid was right up against the factory one.

[JAXTOY]

I understand wanting to make it fit better, the problem is the plate is pretty weak in itself, do you think it's worth the time when aftermarket solutions are already available?

[chichid65]

I have heard that the stock skid plate doesn't hold up to well.

I don't do much offroading anymore. and what i do is just soft mud. So id rather have it a little more out of the way to let the tires catch (stock truck). I have grabbed it with my hand and about felt like i could have bent it myself, but It will hold up to my standards.

[chichid65]

I agree since you already have one but I'm not sure I would go out and buy one. There are some good aftermaket like budbuilt and others worth considering.

[TomasMas]

Get a different front skid, like Bud Builts. It uses the same mount points but it has better clearance and its much stronger.

[chichid65]

Just off the top of your head (as I have not really started pricing any yet) how much does the bud builts front skid cost?

[TomasMas]

The Bud Built front skid is $289 and its bullet-proof. Check out the website for combo prices.
http://www.budbuilt.com
Even the Toyota Trail Team uses Bud's skids, plus he is one heck of a nice guy.

[volhoo]

I repositioned my stock skids.

They are now leaning up against the shed next to the trash cans.

It's an FJ bone yard out there, Bumpers, Running Boards, Shocks.