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

Nice pics and writeup............I think this is what we all have seen when installing this item. Wish it did have OEM-fit and finish, but it does not. Some have chosen to just crank it down the way it is and others have attempted to bend the vehicle a-pillar mounts to better match the angle of the KTJO part.
I don't like either option really, but I really did want a grab-handle. I'm in Iowa and we have lots of ice in the winter - so it is nice to grab a hold of that when entering the truck just in case your feet go out from under you. Had it happen in the past.
In the end, I am glad to have it at this point as there is no other option that is close in my opinion.
Good luck with everything!

 

So, what option did you chose?

I found that I had to slightly bend the top mount with the bolt screwed in. It wasn't rocket science. I can only imagine if some of these guys tried to install an aftermarket skid package. Only minor "gentle-persuasion-with-a-hammer" required.

 

I'm not going to bend shit to make something fit if it's supposed to fit a factory part. It's up to the supplier to make sure it's proper.
I've built race cars (held my class record AHRA for two years) and built long distance rally motorcycles for Iron Butt competitions, certified IBA member.
I know how to f'ing wrench, have the tools to do it and been doing it a long time.
When the supplier provides the wrong parts, doesn't make good on that and then the product is misaligned on installation attempt, it ain't me with the problem.

 

I agree that it should fit right out of the box. Some of us have bent the metal slightly, fit the handle, and moved on. I don't see the supplier changing the mold anytime soon. GL getting your money back.

 

Hmmm . . . Looks familiar.

I hope you get some satisfaction from KTJO 4x4, but don't count on it. It is just a profit machine.

 

I briefly considered bending the A pillar tabs but nope. That's why I did the partial install to see what the angle was before going any further.
Wrong parts, lied to, zero response on repeated contact = not something I want to mess with any further.
I'm used to precision engineering and expect it from anyone I deal with, professionally or in a hobby.
I can see why she got banned from Tacowhirled.

 

Totally get where you're coming from. OEM is supposed to mean OEM fit. One reason I like OEM parts is the engineering that allows the parts to just fit like they are supposed to. I find it hit and miss with "bolt-on" aftermarket parts of any kind. In fact, if I get a part from an aftermarket supplier and the install goes off without a problem, instead of expecting that I am 100% surprised.

For this install, I bent both of the tabs to get the angles "right". I figure I'm never going to take it off anyway, so no risk of having to bend them back and whatever issues that might create later. Now it looks pretty good, the plastic isn't under "stress" from being tweaked, and I know I've got a good clamp load that I don't know you would get for sure without lining up the angles.

 

Just think of the alternative...

Spoiler

10+ emails back and forth with disappointing results, paypal/CC disputes, $24 short on the refund, out of pocket shipping, reports to the BBB, time spent on the internet bashing the seller and product. All because of a mismeasured dynamic angle on a bracket by a former TW member who turned a passion for modifying the Tacoma into a business with innovative products that nobody else offers. "Profit Machine" For the Community and Overwhelmed customer service, yes.

 

{Yoda voice} Yes, another alternative there is, hmmmm.... The force you do not understand. For a backordered item there is great demand, yes. And a full refund I have achieved without succumbing to the dark side. From my life Darth KTJO has already been banished, yes....{end Yoda voice}

 

What was your timeline from mailing the handle back, when it arrived to her and you received your refund?

 

As Yoda said, it had nothing to do with Darth KTJO. It was sold to another Tacowhirled member this morning. I have yet to hear a word from Darth KTJO and don't expect to. Anyone who would deal with her given her repeatedly poor demonstrated track record is foolish.

 

Yeah she never answered my questions then sent me an email to review my purchase. I like her products but her communication is downright scary. KTJO will probably go out of business soon.

 

I"ll be sending her a reminder email to day that my grab handle was delivered to her 4 days ago and that I'd like my money back fucking yesterday.

 

Seriously, best of luck but BOHICA with that broad.

I wonder if she is now overwhelmed with problems since a load of these things went to Tacomabeast who now shows being sold out of these and some of those retail buyers could now be having installation issues too.
If that's the case, the folks at Tacomabeast are probably none too pleased and it will be a much harder/larger problem for her to rectify. Tacomabeast would likely go to the head of the line in front of individual buyers like us but since there is no communication from her, who knows what's going on.

Not my problem any more.

 

One man's trash is another man's treasure!

 

So I didn't read the whole thread,
But this is happening
Any suggestions to keep it from popping off.

 

2 choices. Glue it in place permanently or return it.

 

Get a little bit of butyl rubber, put it on the tabs and push it in. You can get free butyl rubber from your doors, just pop off the door panels and steal a little bit from the vapor barriers (its the black sticky good)

 

Mine does it as well. Quality OEM stuff we scored here. I choose to let it dangle so when friends point it out I can refer to Katie's most excellent operation. I feel like it's a $200 conversation piece. I can't wait for her "Passenger side steering wheel mod"....it'll be great to have a poorly designed, ill-fitting steering wheel on the passenger airbag cover!!