tailgate lock PL5400 installation mod

Hi.. I installed my

$93 PL5400 Black Manual Tailgate Lock with Bolt Codeable Technology for Toyota Tacoma

PL5400 pop and lock with bolt technology so you can use your ignition key. I bought the truck and it came with a PL5300, but didn't come with a key. I contacted pop and lock about their PL5400CONV which is the new cam lock with BOLT, but it doesn't physically fit...it's too big of a lock cylinder. So I decided to buy a new PL5400 and not their painted model because I heard about reliability issues...so why pay more for it...I can always paint it later.

I looked at their video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s48fimgxYI8 and followed their steps. The issue I had was step 3. They tell you to flip the driver side tail gate latch rod and I finished the install...took about 10 to 15 minutes for the whole thing. The thing is this flip rod is kinda silly...you have two pivot points and then a bent rod and it takes away the clean opening action you would get from the factory tailgate handle set up.

So I did this instead of step 3 I modified the rod (excuse the finger blocking the photo):

It sucks when you don't have the tools you need...in this case a vise. I took the rod and bent it straight and then I eyeballed the new point to bend the end of the rod to attach to the pl5400. It took about an hour to do this...I just had a C clamp and pliers to bend and make straight close to 90 degree bends. The end result is the picture above. If you have a vise and good bolt cutter, should take about 10 minutes for this mod.

I should have but didn't take a picture of the original rod before modified, but here it is installed. So doing it this way instead of pop and lock's way...there's no rod rubbing/making contact with your tailgate (leave or add all the sexual innuendo you like)

up close..

So now...I added lithium grease to all the moving parts of the tailgate and now it works as good if not better than factory... I don't see anything breaking now...hopefully the BOLT lock will continue to work. It feels good that the tailgate is a bit more safe....that plus Mobtown's tailgate skin.

 

Great write up! I should have done this to mine, and now the stupid step 3 has left my gate locked. Is there a way to open the tailgate while it's in locked up position?

 

I saw your thread you posted...glad you replied to this one... actually the

$93 PL5400 Black Manual Tailgate Lock with Bolt Codeable Technology for Toyota Tacoma

PL5400 seems like a decent design...just stupid suggestion about flipping the rod instead of making folks mod them. Do you have a top on the bed of some sort? If not... just remove the back panel if possible... I never had the situation.

The only other thing I can think of if you can drill out the camera cover and then try to fish the latch to open... your only other solution if you are stuck is to drill through the handle and then start over.

The mod I did seems pretty nice open and close action... I only worry about the lock itself...but chance I will take... I have a tonneau top.

 

I have a G3 Backflip tonneau cover but LUCKILY I left it open. I did not close it because I discovered the latch was locked shut. I'm wondering if the back panel is removable while the gate is shut.

 

If the bed is open...you should see if there's any gaps that you can use a coats hanger to move the lever that locks the striker. Tailgate isn't the most lock proof device.

 

I found one on ebay painted for $97 to match my super white. What is the issue W/reliability???
Again new to Tacaoma's been since 2008 two FJ owner. So far 5Kmi & love the truck. Got a nice compliment at boat staging area today. guy stopped & said to wife "what year is that? I have an 06 that one is really nice" I think I like the idea of being able to lock tailgate. I have BAKG2 on bed.

 

read the reviews on Amazon and see people complain about the handle or lock failing. Amazon has it for about the same price. If I had a choice between Amazon or Ebay...I would go with Amazon... if I have problems I can return it...Ebay is a risk...but I buy from Ebay as well. I think if you do this mod...the only thing that can fail is the lock itself that you can replace for $40 or so... that's if you can get access to remove it. I think I have to put some graphite in the lock mechanism to make it more smooth...that's only thing so far I don't like about the

$93 PL5400 Black Manual Tailgate Lock with Bolt Codeable Technology for Toyota Tacoma

PL5400...but I do like my MOD and handle opens and close nicely.

 

Theres entire threads on this product FYI. https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...tall-2012-tacoma.214928/page-21#post-10528545

 

The

$112 PL8521 Pop & Lock – Power Tailgate Lock for Toyota Tacoma, Fits Models 2005 to 2015 (PL8521)

PL8521 doesn't apply to the

$93 PL5400 Black Manual Tailgate Lock with Bolt Codeable Technology for Toyota Tacoma

PL5400/5500 ... you need the

$112 PL8525 Power Tailgate Lock for Toyota Tacoma (Power Lock Add-on Kit)

PL8525 to be compatible with the PL5400. The link you provide talks about adding power to tailgate handle lock. The thread I made is talking about making mod to the PL5400 so it'll work as good or better than factory.

 

Absolutely but the install is almost identical. Didnt mean to derail just wanted to give out more information to those who need it

 

Thanks OP, I'm going to have to try this. I put a

$93 PL5400 Black Manual Tailgate Lock with Bolt Codeable Technology for Toyota Tacoma

PL5400 in a couple weeks ago, and half the time the tailgate doesn't unlatch clean (pressing on the top of the tailgate will get it to release, so far...).

 

Subd