Drivers side grab handle

• I bought the KTJO handle kit 2 months ago and am very happy with it. I bought a quality speed clip nut to replace the cheesy drywall rivet/gun that comes with the kit and it was simple to install. It’s solid, color matched great and appears to be a quality piece.

 

No handle on drivers side because you have the big round handle / steering wheel to “grab handle”.

 

Same here. It appears that she has worked out the early problems. Unfortunately, those problems have left a stain that may never fade.

My install took 10-15 minutes. Looks stock.

 

I thought Toyota eliminated the handle to add another air bag behind the pillar? Don’t think I’d like to have that handle slam into my face if the airbag deploys.

 

the handle probably wouldn’t leave at all. The panels are made for the bags to blow out around them typically.

passenger side has a handle and a bag.

passenger side is listed as an impact area in the crash report according to other members on here, so my guess is that Toyota removed it to cut costs and remove an impact point for the driver. Makes the bean counters and the crash test folks happy at the same time. Just an idea though. No backing of any type on it.

 

Good to know. My 2nd Gen had the driver side handle and I still reach for the missing handle every time I get into my 3rd Gen.

 

It doesn't take much contact to squish our melons, was thinking i'd rig a minimal leather strap to the factory points for grabbing on to without the potential for a knock on the head.

 

I have the KTJO grab handle and I like it. But I have to admit that I never actually use it. I got it so that the two sides of the truck would be symmetrical.

 

Function > Form. Buy a dang step. If money isn't an issue I'm sure you can get a powered step that drops down when you open the door and pulls up when it's closed. Very common.

 

This is what I did. The truck has stock
mounting holes that the steps mount right into . I removed my stationary steps and installed my AmpResearch PowerSteps in a few hours with a friend.

 

This is the link to the other recent grab handle thread...

 

coming from my 2008 that had it i just adapted to grabbing the steering wheel when getting in.

 

I also have the KTJO handle and yeah install was a pain but after i got it on its great, hasnt gotten weaker after its couple years of use. the mounting is still there probably carried over from the second gen if i had to guess. I use it all the time and it looks 95% the same as the other side. (color is just a hair different but you cant notice it at all. And if you dont like it you can swap back to oem and you wont know anything was there. You dont have to break anything to set it up.

 

Finally, I was able to find the KTJO grab handle for sale here, in Eh! (Canada) country for reasonable price. Installation was easy, looks stock, but...
After 2 years I was using truck "as is" I form the habit how to seat without handle... So, I'm not using it, but nice to have symmetrical look. LOL.

 

I reluctantly (because of what I read on the Tacoma world thread) purchased the KTJO handle. I had no problem with them and love the handle. I have the v2 handle. The install took me 20-30 minutes, but I watched every possible install video and read up on anything I could find regarding the install. You can Spend 2 hours watching videos/reading how to install or spend 2+ hours installing it and reportedly hating life.The bottom screw goes in at an angle, not straight in. Shine a light down from the top of the trim so you can watch the screw line up. My handle was taken off when I got some work done and I took it off when I put my vleds footwell lights in. I plan on taking it off again in a week or two when I get my meso puddle lights. It can be installed, just DO NOT expect to take the old one off, put the handle up, and have the new screw line up like the OEM bolt. Also, I had to reach out to them about a replacement cover and they had it to me ASAP. i recently reached out about the specs of the aforementioned screw so I can replace it when I take the handle off in a few weeks, waiting for a reply.