Titanium License Plate Screws on the TRD Pro

I come from the world of BMWs and performance cars, so I had swapped a bunch of random screws/bolts on my M3 to titanium one that was most simple was my license plate screws.

I recently picked up a '22 4Runner TRD Pro for the wife and immediately had to replace the rear chrome badges (really just cover up) with the matte black badges. Looked great then I see the very chrome screws the dealer-installed on my plate and they had to go too. I could have found some black screws, but I decided on doing what I did with my M3 and replaced them with some titanium screws.



The screws are M6-1 x 10mm Button Head Socket Screws. (https://www.ti64.com/product-p/5182.htm) Little pricey at $3+ a screw, but lighter and looks better.

Once upon a time I did a deep dive on the weight and cost analysis on swapping screws/bolts in my M3 if you are interested: Video

 

Funny, I always swap these screws out too on my cars. The stock ones from the dealers drives me batty. Wish these came in black, been looking for a pair. Hard to find ones that don't rust.

 

One benefit of using titanium screws is that they are more oxidation resistant, the iron screws will eventually rust and bond with the liftgate and when you try to unscrew them, the heads snap off.

 

Mmmmm, titanium. The lustre unequalled among utility metals. Wish I could do that with mine, but I cross threaded my bolt into mine when I put a trim plate on. The license plate is a permanent fixture on my liftgate from now on, unless I feel like tapping it out, which I dont.

 

Lighter? You drive a 4Runner. That’s the last thing you need to worry about! Ha,
Just kidding with you. Ti bolts are great for their corrosion resistance but coming from the bicycle world where there are lots of titanium fasteners, make damn sure you put anti-seize on those threads. Otherwise, they could cold weld themselves in to place. I have seen it happen on more than one occasion and getting them out wasn’t pretty. Typically takes heat

 

Good point, not needed if plastic female threads. General rule of thumb though if threading in to another or similar metal

 

I feel you.

I come from a world where people use Titanium lug bolts and you cannot put antiseize on the threads as (well I cannot remember why), but it basically makes it not safe. I don't use Titanium lug bolts personally as I have seen them get sheered off at dragstrips and race tracks. Not all Titanium stuff is built to the same spec.

 

Brass does the same.

 

Really? The tailgate threads felt pretty metally when I cross-threaded mine.

 

I use black oxidized or satin finished 316 marine grade stainless steel fasteners

 

They are metal welded in nuts. Mine had been butchered by the dealer when they used (presumably) SAE bolts and just he manned them in. Had to chase the threads with a tap and then I installed SS button head Allens with a bit of grease on them.