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

Delivered in 3 days.

here’s my experience.
I read the instructions on their website and watched this video - https://youtu.be/ckO4hbHoQGE
NOTE: Do not start on the top bolt as the video instructs.

1. Remove negative battery terminal
2. Remove OE cover
3. I purchased speed nuts from autozone based on recommendation on this thread, but I couldn’t use it because the supplied bolts were too small. I ended up using a little bit of masking tape to keep the supplied speed nut centered.



4. Install new cover, start from bottom, line up the two tabs, it’ll settle into place.

5. Notice the slight gap on the bottom between the handle and cover. I’m applying some pressure up and putting the bottom bolt in. I did a few turns just to keep it in place



6. Here’s where it gets tricky. The angle for the top bolt is off. The trick is to apply pressure up on the handle while also twisting it counter clockwise. In the pic below you’ll see the bolt and washer is misaligned as I am NOT applying any pressure and twisting when I took the picture.



7. So if you get the pressure and twist motion right, the bolt will screw in nicely. As you tighten the bolt, the cover will line up and sit flush nicely. Is the handle OE flush? No, but I’d say 98% there.







Install time took me 10-15 minutes. Reading ahead and watching the video helped with the process.
Overall, I’m happy with this mod.

EDIT: Does anyone know how to get rid of the “ashyness” from the rubber? I tried to wipe off… lotion? lol

 

Try Cleaning with soap and water.

 

Nice install pics and insight. My truck had that ashyness when it was new as well - a few applications of chemical guys VRP and it is clean now.

 

Started on the drivers side power folding mirror. With the Rav4 BlindSpot mirrors and MESO Puddle Pods and V5 Signal Lamps

 

With much trepidation, I placed an order for the KTJO drivers side grab handle last Sunday night. Arrived today via USPS, one day earlier than expected. Popped it on in less than 15 min, using supplied hardware. Only “mod” was to smush the speednut a bit with plyers to fit snugly on the lower bracket. The handle fits better than I expected after reading many of the posts and reviews, and actually is pretty nice! I’d say she’s got this dialed in at this point.
My install tips:
Be sure the lower plastic tabs are lined up before seating the panel, it’s easy to miss align one of them.
Center the lower speednut with an awl and be sure both bolts will begin to thread in before trying to install the handle. Gives you a idea of the strange angle they will need to be for final assembly.
Use a 1/4” drive socket and a small ratchet, too easy to crack a windshield swinging a 3/8” ratchet!

 

Looks like she has made some improvements

https://www.instagram.com/p/CiQjh_ovFix/

 

Too little too late.

 

^It does mean the ver. 1 handle is now heavily discounted at $100: https://www.ktjo4x4.com/collections...oducts/driver-side-grab-handle-3rd-gen-tacoma

 

Lol but what do I need another one for?

 

Fool me once, shame on, shame on you. You fool me can't get fooled again... The KTJO4x4 grab handle V2-PKTCMGRAB-C0 came in. Ordered Friday night, shipped out Monday afternoon. All parts accounted for and no cosmetic damage.

With V2, the lower fastener changed from an M6 clip nut to a tiny M3 (?) rivnut, and KTJO4x4 includes a ratcheting cinch gun. The screw seemed too small, so I left the old clip nut in place and used the M6 grab handle screw from my previous 2nd gen, P/N 90159-A0047.



Installation with the deep-set bosses and short screws is indeed easier than V1. I found a shallow 10mm socket with 3" long 1/4" drive extension was handy for the lower screw. Fitment of the screw covers is flush and tighter than V1.

 

I ordered the new v2 grab handle on a Sunday. It was shipped and I received a tracking number the next day. Seven days later I received it. Installed it this morning. Took about 25 minutes. It looks like it came from the factory. They have install instructions on their web site with pictures and written instructions. I also found a video on you-tube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h2psQwgwZbw