2016 Tacoma Tailgate Replacment Bushing #66143-04020

$250 covers the replacement of the hinge mechanism itself. My bushing allows you to keep using the original hinge mechanism, (saving $250).

 

How do I get one...mines gone

 

https://www.shapeways.com/product/C...ailgate-bushing-66143-04020?optionId=60754692

 

Can you explain how exactly the bushing fails. The reason I ask is I have a lock coming out real soon for the 2016 + tailgate and I want to understand the bushing issue better. thanks

 

How is it gone like in worn out?

 

Yah it got knotted up in there some how?

 

If you order one....... ORDER TWO!!!! (or more.)
I'm running with my first replacement. I'm sure it will not last indefinitely tho. Toyota has gotton in the new upgrade for me. It requires disassembly of the rear bumper assembly and who knows what else. I'll have it done maybe at the 20K servicing.

 

Would it be better to have one made of brass or abs like the 3d printed version here?

Sounds like the plastic one gets messed up, but is this because the tailgate is being lifted off/on the hinge or just normal open/close operations?

 

The nylon print has held up really well. Brass may work too but could be overkill.

 

Does the post with pin need to be on there for it to hold up well?

 

No, I put it there so that it stays in place if you decide to remove the tailgate

 

So...Toyota is ready to upgrade my 2016 tailgate hinge assembly with the new design. To do so requires some disassembly of the rear of the truck.
What I'd like to know, is how much BETTER,or DIFFERENT is the new.upgraded hinge assembly? Is it worth going through the hassle to upgrade?

 

@cctk2 I'm not sure how better it is. If they plan on doing it for free, I would say go for it. The only thing I know is that the size of the new hinge pin is smaller than the original. How that affects overall strength and durability I'm not sure.

Toyota was planning on charging me originally for the conversion which is what prompted me to remake the original bushing. I did not see the logic in paying so much simply to fascilitate such a simple piece of plastic that seems to break on its own regularly.

 

So did they make the pin smaller to allow for a bigger bushing or did they change the bracket?

 

I have no idea, the whole thing doesn't make sense to me either. They changed it out in the middle of a production year. Only thing that comes to mind is the smaller pin costs less to make.

 

If cost is the reasoning, then it makes no sense to have the truck retrofired with the 'lesser' parts, especially if a aftermarket superior part is available. I'll forego the truck disassembly for the custom design. Even tho Toyota is willing to do the retro under warranty.

 

So I stopped and talked to the parts guys at my local Toyota dealer. Have a better understanding of the parts now.

Toyota's made in USA after 8/2015 had the newer brackets and hinge pins soft release 3rd Gen's.
The current hinge and soft release hinge pin part numbers did not change.
The bushing was superseded by the current bushing for whatever reason. Maybe for the material or an issue like what you all are experiencing
The 3D printed version looks far superior

If someone that is getting quoted $250 could post a picture of the RH hinge this would be helpful.

The good thing is our new lock will fit 8/2016 thru 2018. Thanks for the input and hopes this helps..

Here is the parts breakout from Toyota:

 

Your research differs slightly from mine. From what I understand the hinge pin is the component that allows the tailgate to drop softly. Soft drop tailgate is a feature introduced with 3rd gen Tacoma.

Regardless, if the 3D printed one proves to be superior, in plan to release a similar design to support the newer hinge pin.

 

Don't disagree, so cool keep printing and thanks for making cool parts

 

Just ran into this same issue and Toyota put a 2017 dampener and bushing on my truck yesterday under warranty!