Pop & Lock PL8521 install with new bracket

UPDATE: The brackets are now fully laser-cut and powdercoated black and still the same price + FREE S&H - $17.00.

Howdy,

I recently bought and installed the Pop & Lock PL8521 Power Tailgate Lock for my 2012 DCLB 4x4..... I liked it, but the mounting design seemed like it could be improved upon. I ended up designing the bracket you see in the pictures below. I also added two foam blocks to keep the power lock in place and to minimize noise and vibration.

I am offering these reinforcement brackets for the 2005 - 2015 Toyota Tacoma. They are available. $17.00 includes free S&H. to the lower 48 states. These are fully CNC-laser cut & formed, powder coated black. You can purchase with pay pal at TacomaTruckParts.com *I painted the one in the pictures "Caterpillar Yellow" for clarity.

Designed to fit all PL8521 power tailgate locks on all Toyota Tacoma models 2005 - 2015, with and w/o the back-up camera.

Let me know what you all think....

Jesse









You can see the two screws on the PL8521 which we will attach the new bracket with. Do not remove both screws at the same time. Attach the bracket with one screw first, only tighten after both screws are attaching the new bracket.










Remove both outer 10mm bolts. These will be re-used. You should not need any thread locking compound; If you do use any, a low strength is recommended.


You can see that with-out the reinforcement bracket, the PL8521 is attached with a single bolt. Not the best design.


A much better design and a more solidly mounted power tailgate lock. The TacomaTruckParts bracket does not interfere with the back-up camera or the tailgate latch mechanism.




I bundled the PL8521 wires into the plastic sleeve that the back-up camera wires are in, so that I had only one wire bundle going from the tailgate to the body.... for a cleaner look.




The black PL8521 power connector right above the white back-up camera connector plug.


Run the wires along the top of the passenger side frame rail. Make sure to zip-tie through frame holes every 6" or so. This is where the PL8521 wires enter the cab on a 2012 DCLB SR5 4x4 - under the front passenger seat.


Right under the forward end of the front passenger seat is where this rubber body plug is. Perfect location to enter the cab and easy to seal with RTV.


Running along the door wire-harness frame to the front passenger foot well / kick panel. Remove the plastic sill, starting at the back end, by pulling straight up.


Remove the kick panel by first removing the black plastic nut with the three holes in it - just unscrew it by hand. Then pull the panel rearward with a quick tug. You can see the wire bundle you need to tap into. I coiled up the extra length of wire.




Now back to the tailgate. Using a 10mm. wrench, remove the two bolts attaching the PL8521/bracket.


Flip the PL8521 over and attach a piece of foam (about 25mm thick) with double-stick tape to the metal bracket, under the plastic solenoid housing.


Flip the PL8521 back over and re-attach the two 10mm bolts, make sure to properly torque the bolts. Now attach another piece of foam (about 29mm thick) with double-stick tape to the plastic solenoid housing. Align it so that the top foam is directly over the bottom foam.

 

Nice piece. Looks clean.

Can you do a metal sleeve to slide over the plastic rod thing on the handle? The piece that pushes on the metal wing to activate the latch. I have a feeling that will wear out over time and create too much play when locked.

 

I have had my 2005 Tacoma PreRunner since new and have not had any issues with wear on that part. I do understand your concern, I just dont think that wear is going to be a problem..... Thanks for pointing that out.
It may be something I investigate further.

Jesse

 

Do you have any in stock now? I'll order tonight if yes.

 

I sure do have some.....

 

I have had mine for over a year now, works great, had to mess with the spring once b.c it came unhooked. but i love it. I can go into a store knowing my tools will be safe!

 

Yeah, that springs seems like the weak point in their design.

Jesse

 

So I assume these need to be painted to resist rust and corrosion?

 

Yes, they are made from cold rolled steel, which will rust if not treated properly.
I was going to have them powder coated, but decided to reduce the cost, and let the buyer prime and paint them. I might get the next batch powder coated, zinc plated, or maybe go with stainless steel.

 

Still have a few left...

Jesse

 

I am interested in purchasing one. I sent you an email from your website.

 

$17 seems like a lot until you consider the hassle of making one for yourself. I'd do it right now except I don't do PayPal. Other payment options?

 

Your part is well designed, shipped promptly and installed easily. It does exactly what you advertised. Per the Subject: "Thank you"!

 

I received mine the other day. It is strong and as TacoLarry said "well designed". I will be painting it and installing it this weekend. Thanks Jesse.

 

placed my order...but after it re-directed me an error page came up. can you confirm the order went through without any trouble please?

Ricardo Santos is my name.

edit: got a confirmation email...should be good.

 

Hi,
Will you ship it to Canada? How much extra, If so?
Thanks!

 

Thank you for your purchase.

I did get your order, and I mailed it today. You should get it by the middle of next week -- Thanks for the support.

I will ship to Canada..... just add $2.00 extra to cover the extra postage cost. PM or email me ( jesse@tacomatruckparts.com ) if you have any questions.

Jesse

 

Still have any in stock? I not got my pop and lock in the mail but have not installed it yet. I was gonna try to do something like this myself but this looks killer.

 

Yes, I still have a few left.
I usually ship same day, so you would not have to wait long to get the power lock installed in your truck.

Jesse

 

Anymore in stock?