1st Gen: Pop & Lock Tailgate Lock Install

$53 on Amazon with free (Prime) 2-day shipping, plus this invaluable write-up, sold me!! Just ordered and can't wait for that extra peace of mind.

Big thanks for the post!

 

Anyone have some long term durability report? Seems like this product doesn’t last or is easy to break from the reviews.

 

Well it is just plastic. Also it would be wise to grease the locations that make contact to open the tailgate.

 

Considering that it is plastic, you'll also find your "mileage" of the product will probably vary on your climate. Some guy up in Seattle will probably get longer life out of it then a guy down in Nevada, Arizona, etc.
Anyone with enough time and the right tools can break into anything. I would think the pop-lock at the very least would serve as a visual deterrent to less honest folks.

 

....great pics and tutorial. I broke one of those plastic clips (use thumb, not flat head would be my addition, or use flat head correctly). A two pack of them is like 3 bucks from Toyota Parts. Regular Auto part stores had domestic packs but they looked too big. Maybe searching other part stores I might find one but for now I got some ordered.

 

I did find a clip that fit from another parts store on the way out for groceries, it's a tad loose. So, pressing the fully assembled mechanism in with my thumbs from outside of tailgate, shown in instructions, I finally got it to clip over the little lip.......However, something must have not been properly clear and I pushed the center piece out that holds spring. I cracked the plastic housing so it's done. Gonna now order a new tailgate handle. I was able to get it half ass installed until I get the new one, hope I don't break that too, lol. After owning this truck 21 years, my first mod has gone south I have done the door handles both sides and pulled that off, but that was not a mod. Starting a full on build, let the fun continue. Writing this makes me less pissed off. I guess without knowledge, patience must be exercised.

 

Mine broke the first time I used it. No lie. I think this products poor reliability is due to the tailgate handle not being designed to have an aftermarket lock installed in it, so there aren't many options that don't include thin tabs of plastic that are easy to break. This item needs to be made with metal parts. Even then, I think >$50 is a bit rich for a lock.

 

Yeah, it's more of a deterrent visually. I'm afraid of forgetting I locked it and pulling on it myself and breaking it. You are right, metal would be better. Overall, I'd still recommend it.

 

Another thing to watch is after install and checking it works by closing tailgate and actuating, watch out when you reinstall the metal plate that covers everything. If your'e metal cover is all flattened, which happens over time, it can bottom out and make contact with the actuator and tailgate handle won't open. I ended up flipping mine over and it cleared it fine. You could also use maybe a hammer and shape that metal piece back to how it should be which is with a raised bubbled out area to help clear actuator.

 

I've had mine for 12+ years now, still going strong. Maybe like everything the newer materials aren't as good

 

do you still happen to have that part and would you be willing to sell it? i've still got a couple of questions about it but if all checks out i might be interested in buying it from ya.

 

still have it and instead of being in storage, i moved it to my garage. i'm extremely busy right now though (new job, holidays, life), so i may not be able to get it out to you till after the new year.

send over your questions. i'll answer the best i can whether you buy from me or not.

 

Anyone installed a power lock on a 1st gen 2000 Tacoma? The directions says connect to blue and blue/white on drivers side kick panel. I did but doesn't work any advice?

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/how-to-automatic-power-tailgate-lock.691814/
check this ^
there's a link in there for manufacturer's specs/instructions...might be double cab vs xtra cab issue? or perhaps you tagged the wrong set of wires?

 

It seemed to be very easy for me to install the poplock. The only thing was just getting it to sit right in the oem hinges.