Tailgate Anti theft device

Got my bracket in today.
Unfortunately I got an almost welded T40 bolt from the factory.

First attempt was with my Milwaukee M12 Fuel impact and a right angle adapter (didn’t take the tailgate off) but it wasn’t moving.

Second attempt was a 3/8 breaker bar with a 1/4 screw bit adapter while holding the tailgate at a 45 degree angle and I managed to break it free.

Went back to the Milwaukee to finish driving it off. Slid the bracket in and started the bolt by hand, tightened with the Milwaukee again.

used some rust-oleum flat black rattle can paint.

Edit: DO NOT LET THE T40 HEX BIT JUMP OR YOU WILL STRIP THE BOLT. I kept a lot of pressure near the head as I wasbreaking it free with both the impact andthe breaker bar, not a single jump.

 

Installed on my new 2021 Tacoma SR (base version). I thought I would post some pictures showing how to address the excessive seam sealant put on at the factory. I cleaned the bracket with acetone, primed, and used an aluminized paint. Then, I put a towel on the bumper and just set the tailgate on it after removing the right cable only. I got lucky on the T40 torx. I hit it five times with a punch. Once in the center and four around the edge. It came out relatively easy for me. The sealant from the factory was 3/8” thick. The gap was barely 1/8”. I used a flat razor blade and X-acto knife to shave the sealant away. It still covers the seam, but you lose the paint. A little touch-up would be easy, but you will not see it anyway. The bracket fit perfectly then. I used a 5/16” wrench to tighten the tamperproof T45 that I bought with it. It works great. Thanks…

 

Thx again my friend

 

Received my bracelet, and bolt. Tried installing on my 2021 but bolt was frozen would not budge. I’m pretty sure I’ll strip bolt if I continue. Oh well, I guess I’ll go with plan b, Home Depot clamp lol

 

Did you try a 3/8 breaker bar with a T40 socket or a 1/4 adapter for a T40 bit?

That did it for me, took a lot of leverage but I was able to do it in 1 shot.

 

Yep, sucker is not budging.

 

OP:

Can you put powercoat info/pricing in the first post?

 

Sure thing

 

The factory T40 has teeth on the underside that really bite in, once again, I highly recommend taking the tailgate off to get good leverage on it, it will come right out, why fight it.

 

lol
so how much is this, powdercoated?

 

After fighting with the tailgate bolt, I was able to get it out. Decided to follow @christian06 advice and remove the tailgate, that helped tremendously. A little sealant removal and the bracket slid right in.

excellent investment

 

Thx for the good words my friend, another success story, Cheers.

 

interested to know as well

 

I ended up drilling out the bolt. Replacement bolt at the dealer cost me $2.50

 

3rd gens are $25
2nd gens are $20
Plus there a couple options.
PM for details

 

PM sent....looking for 3 units...all 3rd Gens.

 

Got it my friend, replied

 

I'm curious as well.

 

The powder coating $15
The T45 tamper proof screw $3.50
2nd gen ATD is $20
3rd gen ATD is $25
PM for more details thx

 

I have added Magnetic grey and orange to the powder coating options, just wanted to let everyone know, thx again for all your support.