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

From what I've seen, it'll eventually get sent out.

But also don't get too excited once a labeled is made and you get tracking info... I've seen multiple reports of people asking her about an item stuck in preshipment just to be told something along the lines of "oh, that's been sitting in my truck" because she doesn't take it to the post office in a timely manner.

 

So I got around to installing mine. Had to go to a local hardware store to get the clip nut, heavy duty compared to the cheap one in the package.

I have taken apart that A-pillar so many times, that the Install took no longer than 15 mins.


Added some weather stripping to mimic OEM. Sadly i don't have the exact same type Toyota uses.



Finished!



Now I know everyone had their torches and pitchforks at the ready, but... I am actually very happy with it.

Honestly, other than the clip nut, I think the fit and finish is on par if not better than the OEM grab handle on the passenger side. I also have MESO's puddle lights, and it would bulge with the OEM A-pillar, but doesn't bulge with the Grab handle's trim piece.


My OEM handle isn't exactly the same texture, finish or even shade of black/darkgrey as the A-pillar trim panel. It also isn't really flush either, since the handle joints are slightly smaller than the area it attaches to on the A-pillar.

Also had zero issues with the install itself. Getting the bolts through was easy. Then getting it to sit flush up at the tweeter speaker is the same as you would for the OEM A-pillar trim piece, aim the trim piece at a 45°angle then pivot in.

 

Ordered 3/12/20, installed 1/17/21 - 10 months! Crazy!!

Packaging could be a half inch longer and my plastic was poking through the end of the box. No damage though.

All parts in the package, including the right capture nut.

The plastic color and texture matched the truck well enough to not be noticeable. Strangely, my handle and trim piece were not matching each other very well. Not enough of a mismatch to bother me.

I sanded and trimmed the caps to make a better fit before installing. Though it improved, it still does not look clean.

Install was a bear though. The main problem was screw alignment. About 30 minutes of fiddling with screws to get them going. I was wondering if this type of thing would happen on an assembly line.

After the struggle with the screws, came the struggle with the caps. Even though I sanded and trimmed, they did not sit flush and stay. The upper one is okay; but the lower one seems to hang proud of the edge. If I press on it; it goes flush. I'm going to add double stick tape.

I don't think I'm ever going to order a 'prototype' product again as it is not worth the hassle. The overall experience was frustrating from start to finish. I appreciate that KTJO is doing difficult things requiring time and coordination; however, I prefer to see the output and not the process over 10 months.

I have 4 other KTJO products that I am 100% satisfied with, both from an ordering experience and a product perspective.

 

Generally, an 8.8 M6 bolt has a torque spec of 11.3 Nm or 8.3 ftlb. But, depending on what clip nut you are using, you might want to creep up on that.

 

After a really long wait (10-11 months?) I received mine a week ago and tried to install it just now. An install job that I thought would be simple turned out the opposite and just gave up completely after an hr of frustration. The top bolt just would not even align properly no matter how much I tried. I contacted them for either a proper replacement or a complete refund. I’ll keep you guys posted.

 

If you really want the handle, you unfortunately have to bend the upper clip. Not at all Plug n Play, which sucks.

Good luck!

 

When the news came out about having to pay for shipping after all this time, it soured the deal for me.
Then I considered how little I actually need a grab handle. I've gone without one for all this time...

 

I was considering getting one of these. Just reading through this thread, I'm gonna go with nah, I can do without. Sounds like a sh*t show to me.

 

So when's the "BS and KTJO 4X4 Rear B-Pillar Assist Handle" thread going to start?

 

Not from me. Learned my lesson and ACLB.



Also smartly, I do not believe TW will allow any KTJO 4x4 new product threads.

 

Maybe Katie can start up a crowd funded ACLB B-Pillar mod for you. Plug and Play guarantee still pending.

 

Sign me up!!


I have always liked suicide doors and had some weak thoughts about a 60s Continental. I finally got my wish with the Taco.

 

the upper clip/thread does not need to be bent. All you need to do is press in and up on the pillar with your left hand, while threading the bolt with your right. I’ve installed three of these now and each installed exactly the same. I’ll reiterate removing the tweeter cover IMO is key as getting it to seat there properly brings everything else into proper alignment.

 

BTDT. I did that for the initial install and had shitty gaps at the headliner and door seal. I could see the airbag. Pics earlier in this thread.

The design is flawed. Simple as that. My clip had to be bent for good fit and easy bolt installation.

I've had no issues with the clips going into the dash. No need to pull the speaker grille.

 

KTJO states their products are for off road only. I have written them twice with the question, "Does the grab handle impede deployment of the airbag?? They do no reply.

And I am not willing to get that answer in a 70mph crash.

 

A flawed design would suggest all would have the same results. I suspect one of two things is going on here: (1) Toyota has variation in the top clip position or (2) those installing aren’t properly aligning things. With the Tacoma made in two separate plants, there in theory could be slight variation between the Texas and Mexico plants. Having said that, I’ve installed three of these, 2 US and 1 Mexico all with no issue . I can get them to install out of alignment just as easy as getting them installed in alignment.

 

Toyota doesn’t believe it impedes the bag on the passenger side. Logic therefore would lead you to your answer.

 

Let’s see that statement from Toyota.

 

Toyota has the passenger side installed on all 3rd gen Tacoma’s the last time I checked.

 

Don't feed the troll.