Anyone installed a driver side grab handle?

I think one of the biggest omissions in my 2023 TRD-Offroad is the driver side grab handle. How much did they save? $10? I see third party grab handles sold but I am looking for anyone who has actually installed one. Videos show you have to remove trim pieces, which I think is unavoidable. I am always weary of that because every time I have removed plastic pieces, they have never gone back together exactly like before. How does the handle get attached to the A-pillar considering that the factory didn't make the attachment spots?

 

^Upper hole has an existing bracket on 2014-current models. For the lower hole, you put in a rivnut and install with long spacer and long screw.

I didn't like the small size of the included screw, so I opened up the hole on the A-pillar, installed a bigger M6 rivnut, drilled out the long spacer, and put in a long M6 bolt.

The replacement A-pillar plastic fits well enough.

 

Yes I did the one from a engineer for Boeing sells on my 2018
. I just ordered KTJO4x4. delivery scheduled for 20-N0v-23. I believe that uses the smaller screw that 3JOH22a is talking about. I'm not too worried about the screw that comes W/kit. I read that they re engineered the trim piece to alleviate the "stress" marks from the original, so I feel if there is/was an issues W/smaller screw they would've changed that too? This kit is WAY quicker & easier then the other one, more $$ because you get a NEW trim piece, Rivnut tool included. No cutting, drilling. Even the salesman when he was appraising my 2018 said "wow, I never noticed that the 4Runner doesn't have this & can't believe Toyota doesn't do this" I know tomorrow will be 2 weeks tomorrow since I bought it & when I drive it(very little since work from home now) I can't believe how much it looks like it's just not right!

 

Would the dealer be willing to install it?

 

I doubt it due to liability worries. If you buy the KTJO4x4 kit it's literally 15 min start to finish. Remove top bolt, pull off trim, install rivnut, install new trim start top bolt & bottom, then just tighten evenly. done.

 

I'll do it when the newness has worn off!

 

I want one of the KTJO4x4 kits but they've been sold out on grey....

 

I saw that BUT click on pg & it's cheaper then the Brown one. At least that's what I found????

 

What is pg ?

 

Page, Yet it's way more easier then what i did via the Boeing engineer , his was way cheaper. BUT way MORE work. I like what I've seen from this kit, we'll see ,eh!?!

 

Ohhhhhhh the clearance handle, I just noticed that! Good price, I hope it isn't too blemished, I'll probably try it out. Really want the handle.

 

Yeah after doing the other mod < 2 weeks driving & I hate NOT seeing that dam handle!! For Toyota for NOT making that standard ,Eh?!! Cheers My Friend!

 

Just received the KTJ04X4 D/S grab handle kit. I did not see a blemish on trim or handle!

 

Please report back on how the installation goes.I am always weary of pulling off trim pieces because they never go back the same way.

 

I did it on my 2018. It was much more work then this kit, no issues with that install.

 

Watch the "Vikings Garage" channel on YouTube, he's going to be dropping a video on this soon.

 

The nice thing about this kit is you can see on the new trim where the tabs are to release the current one W/plastic tool they supplied too. I have a whole kit of rim tools but this one will work!
The pictures are from the previous 4Runner. The kit trim has both upper & Lower built in backing

 

For your anxiety, Honda Accord cabin filter replacement:

 

These guys have posted good info for you, and most ppl figure out how to purchase "Jason's bracket" for the lower bolt. I didn't use Jason.

I did a diy install thread on this subject long time ago, somewhat cheaper and did used an OEM FJ handle from dealership cuz it has greater hand clearance (but if you swap the whole driver pillar trim to match the curved passenger side, then 4R handle is OK). The thing is still going just as strong as day 1

https://www.4runners.com/threads/5th-gen-driver-pillar-fj-oem-oh-shit-handle.26151/

 

I did the KTJO kit combined with the Jason bracket. I'm very happy with the result. It's rock solid and indistinguishable from OEM.