X-TraCab Window Latch

Metric sockets
Phillips screwdriver
New clip from Toyota -i think it was like 12 buks
Jack Daniels

1 shot of jack

2 detach seat belts, the plastic covers just pop off. its just 1 bolt on each of the belts the housing stays together. then i popped off the little inserts that guide the belts into the recoil. this gave me leverage to pop the panel off.

3 shot of Jack

4 after clip is removed attach the new one to the window first then bolt her down and button everything back up.

5 shot of jack

hope this helps some one i had to wing it and was kinda nervous, but no worries it only took about a half hour.

Doug

 

Alright, I got mine done. It was pretty straight forward as these instructions say. The only thing I would add is that you also have to remove the little coat hanger that sits at the top of the wall panel.

 

Is the Jack Daniels OEM for toyota?

 

I didn't follow that portion of the instructions and everything worked just fine.

 

i cant find the screws to take the seatbealt covers

 

I may not be remembering this right, but I think the covers just pop off, then there is a bolt under it.

 

I gotta get around to fix my latch, I think they tend to break alot on 1st gens

 

Has anyone found a source for this part, other than the dealer? Do other makes/models share the same part? (junk yard donor ideas?)

 

I got billet aluminum ones so no more breakage...here is the link to the posting:

http://www.customtacos.com/forum/showthread.php?t=126783

Metal XC Window Hinges Available ('95.5-'04 XtraCabs)

http://jsimotorsports.com/index.php/billet-window-hinges.html

 

the easiest way to replace the latch is to remove the hinge pin at the attachment point of the latch to the metal fastner.

(See the first picture in the first post, see the hole on top of the latch?
that's where the pin is located.)

you just need to push the pin out...takes all of 5 mins per side...i pushed the pin out with a small nail. inserted the pin and with a pair of pliers and a towel (or your plastic latch protection of choice) and pushed the pin in place. no need to remove seatbelt. push the pin out on your new latch assembly to see how easy the pins are to remove.

once the pin is out you will have to remove the screw holding the latch to the glass. be careful because there is a rubber seal and you do not want to mess it up when you retighten the screw




cadman

 

Those billet hinges look like the way to go. A few days ago I was looking at my busted hinge and had the exact same thought: a little billet deal would solve this forever. I was at the dealer yesterday getting new bottom window trim, and I asked about the hinges. They only sell the full latch assembly for $42 each. And then they'll break again. Assured revenue for Toyota. I'm going to order these billets.

 

Order them. I did...so easy to install...a small hammer and a allen wrench can push the pins out and push them back with pliers and you are good to go. No need to take the seat belts off and pull the panel to get to it.

 

Bought a set for me '03. One latches okay. The other latches but can be forced open (driver's side). Any suggestions? Is it possible the part that attaches to the inside of the truck (under the plastic) has been bent (forced open)?

Thanks.

 

One of mine is easier to open then the other one (from the inside...less resistance/force). As far as forced open...I tried it from the outside and they seem solid. If anyone is going to pry that open they might as well take the easy route and break the window to the door vs a small side window. I hope you installed it right. If it bothers you that much...contact jsim and see if they can send a replacement.

 

It is in there correct, flipped from the way the other side is installed, and it opens EASILY. That is my concern.

Right now I have a velcro strap around it. This weekend I am going to see if the bracket that mounts to the inside is bent which could change the angle and might be part of the problem. I did contact JSI - haven't heard back yet but it has only been a day.

Thanks.

 

both the latches have been broken on mine since i got it but ive never gotten around to fixin it because toyota wants like 50$ per side, i know theyd just break again.these billet ones dont look bad though.

 

Had this happen to me a few years ago. Assumed it was going to be very difficult. Paid Toyota $125 to fix it. Now I know it really isn't a big deal. The plastic clip piece seems to break easily.

 

Im not gonna lie, it was a bitch to install a replacement one until I got these billet ones and was told to just take the two pins out vs pulling the rear quarter panels off.

 

Here are a few helpful pictures. Everyone likes pictures
Doest matter what order you take the pins out or in. Just get them out and then back in without breaking anything lol I used a channel lock, hammer and a small bolt about the same diameter of the pins to use to "suggestively" remove the pins. Hammer worked the best, I was careful doing that. So don't smack it too hard or you'll probably be buying the entire latch...



First I used a the bolt and channel lock to begin sliding the pin out, and finished it the rest of the way with the hammer once the bolt I used could sit inside the pins home. (Yes, I said home, its were it lives, and you will give it small tap taparoos with the hammer till it goes back home later)



I put the pin back in with the new billet hinge using the hammer (tap tap tap) and channel locks. Then to make it easier I removed the part from the window and took it to the work bench to get the other pin out (More tap tap taparoos). Once I got that pin out I put it back on the window.


Line up the new billet hinge with the holes of the latch from the window. Slide the pin down using your hands and make sure its all lined up. Then finish it off with your channel locks.



There you have it. I opened and closed mine a few times. It seems to work great, I was never fortunate enough to know how the stock ones felt. Bought this truck a while back and they were already broken. But I like it a lot. Now I wont yell at my friends when they open those up haha

Hope this helps for any of you thinking of doing this. Doesn't take long at all and I bought these off Amazon for $9.99 a pair. @

Dasher Deals Billet Aluminum Latch Pivot for First Gen Tacoma Tundra Rear Quarter Window (Pair)

http://www.amazon.com/Billet-Aluminum-Pivots-Tacoma-Quarter/dp/B00877TP4K

 

The guy who makes these is a member here, here is his latest thread about the kick-ass replacement he offers... http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/1st-gen-tacomas/203493-xtra-cab-quarter-window-latch-repair.html