Buyer Beware: KTJO 4X4 Driver's Side Grab Handles w/ A Pillars, HUD, and Bowl Lights

I'm pretty sure the cleaning crew hates me. I have a bunch of knick-knacks around my office and they dust them all...

 

Received my Driver Side Handle from KTJO on Saturday. I was one of the originals to order back in Nov 2019. Install went flawless. Handle looks and feels factory and I love it. I will say that removing the driver side tweeter/vent cover makes the install a lot easier...simply pops off and on.

 

Got it in the mail today. Looks like the USPS ran over the box. The handle and pillar look to be in good shape. Have both bolt covers and two different length bolts....buuuuuuut a fucking M8 nut so off to Lowe’s I go.

 

That's probably the best bit of luck had so far?

 

That box...

 

That skunk...

 

Changed my vote today. Went from OG Waiting, to Perfect+Other. All the hardware is correct, nut is the correct size and I have the correct covers. Both covers were installed, so if I understand correctly, my order was shipped after she discovered the cover mixup. I marked Other as well, because the finish on the bolt covers is crap. Neither cover fits exactly flush, and one cover looks like it was trimmed with a razor knife to fit in the hole. Hopefully I can knock the edges off with some sandpaper, and even up the gap around the edge of the covers.

So done with this. I'll never buy something of hers directly from her or one of her official vendors. She could design and produce a kit with a new cam and transmission gears for the third gen 3.5L AT that turns it into a smooth shifting low-end torque monster, and I'd wait for it to show up on the second hand market.

I knew in Dec 2019 it was going to be a long ride. What I didn't expect was the shipping snafus, lack of communication, incorrect packaging, and ORDERS 12 MONTHS OLDER THAN MINE BEING DELIVERED BEFORE MINE EVEN SHIPPED. Never again. She can find some other sucker to finance her side hustle.

 

I can definitely understand that view point. On the other hand it's not like anyone else is offering the product or a solution. Seems like this first batch will be sold fast so anyone new wanting this will have to go through the waiting game (hopefully not as long).

I pre-ordered the heads up display in November and I'm fully aware that I may not even get it this year, but I did buy it knowing that. There aren't any other options out on the market for this kind of thing and if I end up getting burned at least it's only $200 (doesn't sound like I'll get burned, might take a year and a half but I won't lose my money).

 

2021-01-04 15:15 PT: Received. Kit is "plug and play" (i.e. all parts fit together lol). I will need some TLC on the bolt covers as everyone has noted.

 

Just got home to find my grab handle finally arrived and good news bad news deal. Good news, got correct bolts and correct m6 U clip. Bad news, 2 upper covers yaa

 

Nice to see the MT's in the background of your pic!

 

Should have known I was jinxing myself. My favorite part is that the tracking system has officially just given up trying to guess a delivery date:

 

I too received mine today though not in as bad of shape as your box annnnnd guess what, M8 nut for me as well!!! However Lowe's doesn't stock them. Any other recommendations on where to find them are greatly appreciated. What am I looking for again???

Side note: I was able to uninstall/reinstall the OEM A pillar in about 5 minutes. What are the odds of that same timeframe for the grab handle?

 

Dude, this has been my last two weeks. It finally arrived today. See above ^^^^^^

 

So I struck out at Lowe’s, apparently they don’t carry a M6x1.0 speed nut. Then drove around the corner to O’reillys who were sold out, drove down the street to Auto Zone who was also sold out. Maybe a lot of people in Griffin, Ga bought these handles and got shafted on hardware? Third stop was Advance auto who had one pack on the shelf.

My right hand is still cramping from trying...no, fighting to get those bolts threaded. I found it easier to pull the pillar toward the passenger side giving a 1” or so gap at the top so I could see the top bolt and hole to thread it in. Once I figured that out the top went in no problem. The bottom was a pain also but with a strategically placed iPhone flashlight I was able to see the hole and get it lined up.

Seriously a pain in the ass install and hopefully my tips are able to help someone with their install. This thing is solid af though. Feels as solid as both my second gen handles were.

Been following the preorder since I bought my Tacoma on May 16, 2020 but decided not to buy one until the units are stateside and ready to ship.
Bought: 12/14/2020
Shipped: 12/22/2020
Received: 1/4/2021

 

Why did you guys choose USPS for shipping instead of FedEx?

 

Has anyone reported elbows hitting with the grab handle yet? Asking for a friend...

 

advance auto parts or oreillys. It’s Dorman part#

$5 961-320D DORMAN Clip Nut

961-320D

it’s the extruded self centering type. But after installing it I recommend it. I’m sure I could hang from the handle

 

Thank you good sir. If only there were O'Reillys here in NOVA...I'll try Auto Zone, Advance Automotive, or NAPA auto perhaps!