Stolen Tailgate

Sabellco is the way.

 

car-parts.com. Database to junkyards nationwide. They do have a grade system "A-D". A meaning insurance quality.

 

https://sabellco.com/store/index.php?route=product/product&path=33&product_id=69

also oem power tail gate lock

 

Or:

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/tailgate-anti-theft-device.612331/

 

Pricey...yes. But I feel better. Also installed the OEM Tailgate Lock.

I've done what I can to prevent theft...that's all I can do.

 

I got the one with the plastic wingnut on it. Take that thing off and you need to use pliers to spin the nut, and you could only spin 1/4 turn at a time. It would take a WHILE to unhook it like that.

 

Dunno. I imagine if I was to ever steal one I’m
Gonna walk up all casual like, lower it and pivot it out and put it into my friends truck right when he pulls up, and I walk off again, casually.

Dunno. I’m not a thief but that’s how I picture it. I’m not walking down the street carrying it.

I did pivot the hose clamp so I needed a ratcheting box wrench to cinch it down. You can’t reach it with a screwdriver.

Just a thought for me.

 

and a hose clamp

 

I could break my hose clamp tailgate “protection” off in less than 10 seconds with a flat head screwdriver, they’re useless.

…and as for tailgate support cables, this is how you lock them in. A fat old fender washer with a spacer underneath to let the cable eyelet rotate when the torx bolt is tightened up.

 

well, this changes everything!! thanks for the link.

it just dawned on me that it is the electronics inside the new tailgate that makes it so much more valuable than the one on my old ass 2006 tailgate.

 

This is a piece of steel exhaust tubing that "just fits" over the hinge. Costs about $3.00 at auto parts store. Cut it to length and paint to resist rusting. My grandson showed me how to remove the hose clamp in a minute or so. Fill the Torx screw heads with JB weld epoxy to keep thieves tools out.

 

Dang OP sucks to hear that.

California baby

 

easy there. just talked to my law enforcement family member. it is bigtime in Texas. he thinks they get run across the border or something. catalytics as well.

 

Oh I bet. Border towns in Texas are awful. Had a buddy relocate to NC (where I’m located) to get away from the madness.

 

And take off the left hand for not using the blinker. (I'm serious)

 

I got one of these installed in about 10 minutes.

Tailgate Anti theft device | Tacoma World

supports a TW member, made in USA, cheaper than sabellco. Tailgate theft is a crime of opportunity, if they go to pull it and need special tools to do so, they will most likely move along, they are all just deterrents ultimately but I have a bit more peace of mind for $50.
OEM from the dealer replacements that are color matched are upwards of $3000+ I believe, and thats not even including being keyed to your vehicle.

 

I posted above that you can easily pry and break a hose clamp off with a flathead screwdriver and skip trying to loosen it in less than 10-seconds. I do like the tubing idea though, that’s a great idea.

 

Pics of that?

 

helpful