Skid plate removal for alignment?

After getting an alignment this weekend I noticed that my skid plate was hanging on the right hand side. After closer inspection I noticed the the right front bolt was missing and figured the technician missed it and ran to get some new bolts, no big deal. When I went to install them, however, I realized that the spacer on the left hand side was missing so the plate was just resting against the bumper and the previously missing bolt was missing because the threads it screws into were stripped to hell.

Before I go lay into the service center for leaving me with a 30 lb piece of metal hanging off the front of my truck I wanted to check, is the removal of the skid plate something that's necessary to adjust alignment? I can't imagine myself missing the fact that it was hanging like that since my last oil change and know that I put it on correctly the last time I took it off.

Really appreciate any help.

First post, here's the rig:

 

I wouldn't imagine so. I know that I can get to my camber bolts and outer tie-rods with out removing my skid plate. (SOS Offroad Concepts)

If you have LCA skid plates, they will cover the camber bolts, but that wouldn't explain your missing bolt. \

I've lost a rear bolt just wheeling.
Truth is these suckers get a whole lot of abuse if you spend anytime rock crawling. I tighten up before these trips, during oil changes, etc.

 

Thanks for the reply, I didn't think you need to but. At first I thought it might have fallen out, but the fact that the threads are stripped on the one side and the spacer was missing on the other leads me to believe someone installed it incorrectly.

 

It's much easier to get to them without the skid plate in the way and if you're using an air gun for anything and everything(like most techs)you have to remove the skids.

 

For some closure, took it back in to where I got it aligned where the guy told me they wouldn't have taken it off to do an alignment but he would take a look anyway. After talking to his tech he told me that they DID take it off so, they're fixing it. Still a little frustrated that they left it hanging with a stripped nut without saying anything but, hopefully they'll take care of me. Thanks again for the replies

 

Kinda figured they did. If they didn't I'd still be upset that they were staring right at it and didn't bother to mention anything.

 

On the drivers side, it's pretty much necessary to get to the front lca cams (2009) . In fact my skid is bent open in that spot, I'm guessing from an alignment guy trying to get his wrench in.

 

I have to take mine off to do alignment cuz it's hard to adjust the camber and caster with the skidplate in the way.

 

I just took my truck to Toyota for an alignment, oil change, and tire rotation and I just noticed today that my skid plate was gone... calling Toyota to see if they took it off to perform the service that were needed. Always seems like something goes wrong when I go there...

 

They sometimes will take mine off to do the alignment. (PB skid)

 

I've got one, if you need it.

 

Wish I would have known yesterday.

 

Ahh no worries I'm In the market for an aluminum skid!

 

Well....if you need an OEM let me know.