TRD skid plate issue

Caught a rock wrong on my drive yesterday and found out the hard way that the TRD skid plate will deflect up into the front drive axles if bent. Now i'm trying to find a way to bend it back. The only way i can think of is to remove it completely and try and flatten it out some. There's nothing safe to pry against while its installed.

 

I would just take the skid plate off and pound it back in shape with a hammer or or sledge. They seem pretty stout. At least the skid plate did it's job.

 

I've got to figure something out. I dont think it will damage the axle as its steel vs aluminum but i'm hoping to bend it somehow and get some space back between the two.

 

The safest path is to remove it, repair it (with a BFH), replace it.

Trying to pry it back into shape while still on the truck is a good way to start a new thread, “CV Axle Replacement”

 

Yeah when I was looking to pry on it I didnt see anything that I could pry against that wasnt cast aluminum.

 

Block of wood and a big hammer like the other guy said.

That must have been one hell of a rock in the driveway.

 

And some speed.

 

Skid plate is very easy to remove. Just like at every oil change.

 

Here's the normal side, the bent side and the after. I didnt have much luck with the hammer. The aluminum was a bit too springy. I ended up putting a jack on the back side of the dent and putting the trucks weight on it, still not enough to flaten it but it did help.

 

If your local, I can stand on it for ya

 

Yikes! How thick is the TRD skid plate?

 

Now put it back before dad finds out.

 

Looks like about 1/4 inch but its aluminum.