Splash Shield (aka, skid plate) install with hooks

I am the second owner of a 2014 Tundra. It came with the factory splash shield, aka, skid plate. Overall, I really like the shield so I am replacing mine since the retired farmer who owned the truck first, abused it a fair amount going through his fields.

I have only installed it twice in the short time I have owned the truck but I find installing it to be a huge pain in the rear. It has hooks on the front (see picture) that are probably there to hold the front while I am installing the rear bolts. In reality, it is tough to find the corresponding holes the hooks are supposed to slip into.

I am considering cutting them off. I think I could line up the bolt holes and install the bolts better if these things did not exist. Has anyone ever cut them off before? Did you regret cutting them off or are you now a happier person with lower blood pressure?

Thanks in advance for your input.

 

I bent mine down, Installed threaded studs in the 2 front holes with red locktite. I swing it down to remove. To install, position the skid plate onto the front studs, thread on the nuts a few turns, and swing it into position..

 

I modified my skid plate by cutting slots in the two center mounting tabs. When I remove the plate, I only loosen those two bolts, removing all others. Slide the plate forward to disengage.

When replacing, bring the skid plate up and move slightly forward, align the slots and slide back with bolt heads holding the skid plate in place. I just bent over the useless hooks to get them out of the way.

Picture is looking towards the rear of the plate.

 

Now that's using your brain. Nice mod!

 

Most of us go with aftermarket skid plates for better strength and the benefit of not having to remove them.

 

Thanks for the picture. I may do something like this in the future. In the meantime, I ended up using a scrap piece of 6x6 lumber in the rear while I focused on the hooks on the front, and then bolted in the front. This went pretty well. With practice, I will probably get better. If not, I can follow Bergmen's suggestion.