2016 Tacoma Tailgate Replacment Bushing #66143-04020

Thats interesting, they could have just bought mine and saved some money. Looks like the only winner here is the Dealer.

 

They paid to fix it so it don't matter to me lol. Now I can just buy the $5 plastic piece every few years lol

 

Mine just broke. What price of trash little plastic piece. Seriously is this what we pay for? Thanks for making the upgrade piece. I will be ordering one tonight

 

For theft deterrence, maybe not completely theft prevention per se, has anyone done the hose clamp wrap around the hinge point? Of course using the hose clamps with the plastic "keys" that you can tighten, then remove the key and keep in your glove box.

Sure, someone could defeat this, but if they're expecting a 15 second grab and dash, this may be enough of a slow down feature that they'll abandon their theft attempt. I'm sure I saw this mod somewhere on the forum, but I couldn't find searchable terms. Maybe later.

EDIT--here's one https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/tail-gate-lock-simple-security.515217/#post-16256068

 

Yup I saw that somewhere too. I have a revolver bed cover so with the tailgate closed and locked they would have to destroy the bed cover to take the tailgate

 

Shoots @mauidogg . Couldn't find the posting showing the technique that I had originally seen, maybe someone with more patience and a vested interest in this can find it and post it up, but using one of those adjustable/tightening hose clamps w the plastic key to close off the slot the tailgate pin comes out of would slow someone down. Using the keyed one would make it tougher to remove, otherwise the standard type use a Hex head/screwdriver slot.

 

So I will admit that this is far from the most erudite presentation of this mod, maybe just skip to the 1 minute point and watch from there, at least you can see what I was trying to explain. But, I couldn't find the thread or post on TW where I thought I had seen this mod otherwise described.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rYVxYhW0va4

 

OP, it is awesome that you took the time to research this and develop a solution. Although I do not have this issue, I thank you for your efforts.

In regards to theft deterrence, just keep the gate locked. On older trucks that didn’t have tail gate locks, people would reverse the hinges or use hose clamps but it’s really not necessary if you just keep it locked

 

That’s the one. I usually have my tailgate locked so I don’t worry about it

 

Just had my rear tailgate bushing fail, went to dealership, and they replaced with the undated hinge under warranty....they replace only the hinge assembly....the bushing is not as wide as the original and has nothing to do with the dampener.....took about 1 1/5 hrs. for them to replace....showed dealer cost on hinge 67.00 list 112.00 and bushing 9 bucks...

 

That's interesting. Not sure what you mean by "has nothing to do with the dampener"? The hinge is part of the dampener that allows for soft tailgate drop.

 

The hinge goes into the dampener, it however is a separate part, when it gets replaced the "hinge pin" is just a little narrower...worst case it looked like you could remove the "hinge pin" and machine or grind it down to fit the newer bushing...

 

I just put the new bushing on, Then I lowered my tailgate and I heard a CRACK. RIP new bushing

I think I'm going to install a new bracket and get the new bushing. The 3D printed one will work for now, but it's already broken the same way the OEM one broke. Less than a minute on the truck too!

oh well

 

You can grind down the original pin, but be advised you will need to remove the rear bumper to get access to the entire assembly....or just purchase the new pin assembly if you are out of warranty...after that if the plastic bracket breaks the cost will be under 10 bucks and can be purchased from any toyota dealer....if the 3d part is printed out of PLA, it might last longer if done in ABS...

 

Any chance I could get a copy of the STL file? I have a 3D printer at work and would love trying different materials since the one I just bought broke

 

Sorry I have a 3d printer too, but don't have the stl file...I believe the member did his own..

 

That's unfortunate and first time I've heard of that happening. My 3D printed one has been working for over a year now. Please PM me so we can sort this out.

 

Unless you have an SLS printer, this will not work. FDM prints do not hold up well in this application.

 

Nice job and write up

 

I also know autocad in expert fashion and 3d inventor in case you want it done in 3d then you can mass produce ...