RCI Skid Plate Package with Cat Guard Install Best Practices

I just received the engine/tc skid package, but they didn't send the cat guards yet. Should I install it now without the cat guards? Can they be easily added on later without taking down the whole thing again?

 

Cat guards need to be mounted to the trans skid off the truck; then that assembly gets bolted to the truck.

Engine skid can be installed by itself, but you'll need to loosen the 2 rear bolts to slip the trans skid into place (but it doesn't need to come off completely)...

Scroll up and start at the first post in this thread, work your way through it, and you'll see more details and images that will help answer your questions

 

Yeah I saw they were bolted to the trans skid, but was hoping i could do it after the fact. I'll probably just get the engine skid installed, and loosen up the rear bolts later when I install the rest of it. Thanks!

 

So I got these all installed. It wasn't really bad at all except for the two nuts/bolts sandwiching the tcase and engine skids together. With the cat guards, there was barely any room to get in there. I was able to get my arm in the cut out for the oil drain for the passenger side, but the driver side didn't have that cut out and I could barely get a wrench on that. Removing it would be difficult to say the least.

It came with these half moon thick washers and I didn't know where they go. I used them on top of the transfer case crossmember as a big washer.

I also didn't use what they called the Retro Mount Plate. Now that I think about it, I wonder if it would've made those last two nuts easier.

I might pull it off and adjust the cat guards a bit. They are hitting something on the frame and vibrating. If I do that I'll try out the Retro Mount Plate.

 

You really want the retrofit plate. It makes the 2 bolts that sandwich both plates super easy.

 

I redid it today with the retrofit plate. Much bettter! I should've read the whole thread more carefully. It was addressed early on. Still don't know what those half moon plates are for.

Also found out my Kobalt ratcheting wrenches SUCK. Need to buy some better ones. No wonder they were so cheap.

 

Subscribed need to do this thanks for write up

 

Where do you get the retrofit plate?

 

It comes with the cat guards. Because once you get the cat guards in place, you can't reach those two bolts.

 

It’s part of the cat guard kit. Number 5 in the parts list/diagram. https://rcimetalworks.com/wp-conten...8-22-Sequoia-Cat-Guard-Installation-Guide.pdf

 

Some applications require the half moon plates as a backer because the hole is so close to the bend of the frame a full circle wouldn't fit (can't remember if it's the taco or another application); anyhow, rather than having multiple pieces of hardware for each application they provide the half moons to everyone to use as necessary.

 

I ordered the transfer case, engine, and cat guards. I'm waiting for them now - Does anyone have a list of all the hardware? It sounds like ordering higher grade stuff, including anti-theft torx bolts for the skid plate is a good idea. I just want to have all the new hardware here when the plates arrive so I can install.

So far it's 4 x M8x100mm tamper resistant bolts. I was going to order stainless.

What are all the bolts that hold the cat guards to the transmission plate? I want to order stainless..

 

If you can access the PDF instruction manuals on their website, it should give you a hardware list within the first couple of pages; if not I'd call them or email them for a copy of the instruction manual's PDFs...

 

Yeah, I did that and the link for the instructions is broken. I emailed RCI Sunday, I'll see if I can get it this week.

 

I’ll add my endorsement to the RCI skid plates!

 

Waiting for my bumper and full skids. Can't wait