Heat/AC Routing too low in driver footwell, potentially unsafe

Not sure if any one else feels this way, but I found this to be a serious issue so wanted to share.

I often wear boots/safety shoes with large soles for work, and very shortly after purchasing the Tacoma I nearly had an accident because the drivers foot well venting comes so low/near to the pedals. (The toe of my boot caught the venting and the pressure I was applying did not get to the brake pedal... it was a close call)

So I quickly removed the culprit. This pic is not from a Tacoma but gets the point across. The splitter (I believe to make the air flow to "both feet") unclips from the rest of the vent, and gives you 4-6" more clearance for your driving foot. I feel much better about it. No difference in heat/AC feel when using the lower settings.

Maybe it helps someone else... be careful out there!

 

There's a lever on the lower part of the front of your seat than could also help with this "problem".

When I wear my heavy work boots while driving, I use this lever and the problem goes away.

 

The pic is not of a Tacoma, so it does NOT get the point across.

 

OP I know what you mean. When I wear snow boots, it can get pretty cramped in that footwell.

I guess that's just how it is on mid size trucks...

 

...my legs nor arms get longer when I wear larger boots... but I'm glad it works for you.

 

Ok...Diagram of my 2013's HVAC routing. Part # 87230 extends down towards the pedals in the driver foot well. For me, it extended too close and at one time interfered with proper braking. I would often be whacking it with the toe, even when it wasn't interfering.

 

And so this part pops off? Looks like a plastic rivet 87201k is holding it in place?

 

Its one of those interior pop clips. It could be reinstalled easily if desired.

Clip is similar to;

 

I can drive my truck in ski boots with no interference. ..you must have some serious clown feet...

 

Surely it may be the way I sit/angle at the pedals. I realize its not a problem for most.

 

This guy thought he could drive in ski boots, too

 

^^ that is precisely what I was afraid of, and why I shared my experience.

Especially in an emergency situation where you lift your foot to hit the pedal harder than normal....

 

op pls

 

That parts diagram looks like a Star Wars character. Can someone please recreate it with no part numbers and all parts connected? Thanks.

 

I had this problem when wearing my steel toes. Pretty sketchy when trying to go from gas to brake quickly. I took off that same extension piece in the diagram above and tossed it in the glove box. No problems since

 

I removed the lower section of that heat vent , it just unclips , I posted a pic in another thread about this same thing , takes 30 seconds

EDIT : Part # 87230 from above diagram

 

I just went and checked mine. That part is up and under the lower dash panel in my 2012. I would have to kick up and back to even come close to it.

 

Ill pop it back on and get a picture later. Not sure of the distances as I did this about a week ago, but it was quite close to the top of the brake.

 

I've worn 2 different pair of metatarsal boots never had this issue. Now watch me after reading this have this issue. Just curious op but what size are your boots. My foot definitely doesn't ride that far up the gas pedal. I have neither large feet or long arms. Sooooo idk hahah

 

I'm not a huge guy; 5'9" and size 10 or 11 by brand. These steel toe boots are where I had the biggest issue. The lip is at least a full half inch, which contributed to my perception of how close the duct was.