Driver Side Grab Handle

I bought the KTJO 4x4 grab handle for the drivers side.
$256.28 w shipping. I received in 3 days after order.

https://www.ktjo4x4.com/product/3rd...order-driver-s-side-grab-handle-w-a-pillar/22

This is a necessity for a truck like this, no idea why Toyota failed to install one.
But... this grab handle is very poor quality from KTJO. The color matches perfect, but the holes do not line up properly. Once installed the handle and trim piece are all uneven and do not line up properly. They did a terrible job reverse engineering the hole locations. I will still keep it as it is really functional.
This entire install would be less than 5 minutes if the holes lined up. I spent 45 minutes trying to get the screws in.
If they would just add in a chamfer at the end of the screw then it would go in easier. It would have been nice if they fixed their mold so the holes aligned properly.
The instructions do not tell you how to install the bushing and washer.
I installed the bushing first, washer on top of it, and then put the screw through. See the pictures.

When installing, use pliers to pinch the clip tight before you install it. This will ensure it wont move and help prevent bending when you keep trying to thread in the screw.
Also, test fit the screw to make sure it is aligned and goes in easy before you install the trim piece. This will also let you get a sense of the angle you need to install the screw in as you cannot see it after the trim piece is installed. You need a weird angle to install vs the hole on the trim piece as they are not aligned.
When installing do not push the screw hard or it will bend the clip and then you have to start over.
Also, install the front screw (front as in closest to the driver) first and leave it really loose. Then install the back screw. You need to keep the 1st screw loose so you can jiggle and move the handle around to get the back screw started.

All you need is a 10mm socket and some kind of pliers to squeeze the clip.

 

Will this smack you in the face when the side curtain air bags go off ? Will those bolts limit or change the trajectory of the airbag?

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...drivers-side-grab-handles-w-a-pillars.642703/

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...drivers-side-grab-handles-w-a-pillars.642703/ Read through this thread, probably not.

 

The airbag under that cover is the curtain airbag and it deploys downward between the window frame seal and the plastic A-pillar cover so as long as the A-pillar cover is not of any significantly stronger plastic I would doubt it will make any difference. That airbag is coming out between the cover and the window no matter what.

The 2nd gen Tacoma has the same A-pillar and airbag along with the factory grab handle assembly.

 

Seems like to me that it would do the exact same thing as the passenger side or the original trim piece as the plastic has the same thickness. The airbag shoots out the side toward the window.
But....I have no idea since I was not in an accident.

 

Read the posted thread link about the air bag and the diver side handle. It's all there.

 

Hmmmm

 

Splurge and get a decent J-clip. The one they sent me, like the one shown in the OP, was the cheapie kind. Plus, it was the wrong size. A quick trip to Ace Hardware, and a few cents, will get you the one you want. Don't bother writing to KTJO about this. That's a waste of time.

 

Thank you for suggesting to read through 246 pages.
One the first few pages it shows an airbag deployed with the original trim and comments saying the gen 2 has the same grab handle. Seems like this would not change the airbag deployment. If there is another post saying it is bad then provide a direct link.

 

When (year and month) did you buy the grab handle that it took only 3 days to receive? Seems now they aren't the same as they do not respond and have many BBB complaints. Lucky you

 

they're banned from TW for a reason

 

what’s your point?

also, delete the personal info. Doesn’t need to be here

 

Sorry guys. I deleted an earlier post about KTJO 4x4 at jmauvais's request because it had personal info for KTJO's owner. Although jmauvais claims his Grab Handle arrived in three days and all went well, others like me have gotten the run around and some have posted BBB complaints. Just though it useful info if your not as lucky as jmauvais.

 

btw, does the Toyota Dealer have this 3rd Gen Toyota Tacoma Driver's Side Grab Handle w/ A-Pillar? Search online and I've only found KTJO 4x4 and Tacomabeast have it (when they have it). Is there anywhere else to buy it? Anyone have an OEM PArt Number?

 

Nope no OEM part number.

 

Toyota got rid of them for the 3rd gen because of legal liability. At one time I was able to see the test crash video and the driver dummy's head barely tapped the handle. Many of us are willing to take our chances because of the benefits of having it. KTJO based the molds on her Tacoma and didn't do enough research to verify it fit all 3rd Gen Tacoma. She most likely started without enough investment capital. Due to myself along with several hundred others that put in pre-orders for over a year, we experienced her lack of knowledge with R&D, production, and customer service. We also experienced her lack of operating capital with her requesting shipping cost after being led to believe shipping was covered. I will (and have) defend her by saying she had a great idea. Even though she was caught in all of the COVID mess, she failed to act as a responsible business owner. As for TacomaBeast, they purchase large lots from KTJO.

 

Thanks markgphoto for putting things into context and telling me the story. I'm willing to support her too. And I i just wrote on Instagram, it's all about the communication. No one is screaming "where's my stuff." Last night she replied on Instagram: "you ordered this on the 29 and are woundering where it is wow". ___ And I wrote her back "yes Katy, I am. Perhaps you don't order Amazon? It's easy to get used to good communication. ... I keep asking and you only reply "wow". (this is exactly what another member wrote on Tacomaworld. He said your snarky). I get the delays. But it does not mean you can't provide a date. Your previous response of "soon"... what good does that do anyone? Maybe she can turn it around. Her website picks of May 12th shows she did receive product. I'll support her and any small business 100%. The only requirement: Communication (without the snarky).

 

No, 3rd gens only get the passenger side. I'm guessing KTJO took the passenger side OEM handle and created a mirror-image mold.

Yes, their communication sucks. Even when they do make an effort to communicate to customers, the information they provide is ambiguous: ("Package 1 of 2 has shipped to pre-orders")... What's included in package 1 vs package 2? When is package 2 expected to be shipped? Which orders are considered "pre-orders"? All it would take is for KTJO to stop and consider things from the customer's point of view... "If I were a customer waiting for my handle, what information would I want the vendor to communicate to me?".


I'm guessing no one in that company has any experience in a customer service role.

But.... when the parts do finally arrive, and after the struggle to get the bolts to line up, the finished product does appear identical to the passenger side.

 

KTJO is just KatieJo’s side gig. Maybe her significant other and/or a part time hourly worker.