Gen 5 roof handle?

I have a 23 trd off road, with the stock roof rack and have added slider steps. However, I am still missing something to grab onto when I get in. Currently I use the steering wheel or the lip of the roof where to roof rack mounts (I really wish it had the same side Pilar handle like is on the passenger side). Has anyone heard or seen something that maybe fits into the roof slot where the roof rack is mounted further back. Something like a 12 inch section of roof rail up front on either side (I think that would make a perfect grab handle)... And maybe even have some other utility benefits?

 

https://www.4runners.com/threads/driver-side-a-pillar-grab-handle.10893/

 

That's a good link for you ↑
Funny enough, I'm in the process of mounting 4 decent sized grab handles on my oem roof rack side rails and 3/4 cargo basket. Just finished buying all the materials to do it right and water seal, combination of SS nuts n bolts, and self tapping hex head bolts.

I've also added a driver side pillar handle. But I chose OEM FJ driver handle, matching color, lots of room for your fingers. Let me give you the best advice you can get; most people order a custom mounting bracket online that lives in the pillar and gives you a proper second mounting point. BUT don't slap on an OEM 4Runner passenger handle without swapping the whole drivers pillar assembly for passenger style. Because you'll lose significant finger clearance as the drivers side pillar isn't contour shaped specifically for a handle like passenger side.

Goodluck!

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

 

https://www.ktjo4x4.com/collections...s/products/4runner-driver-side-grab-handle-5g

 

This is why you need the matching passenger pillar along with a passenger handle

 

Thank you... Really trying avoid serious mods like these. Also, the 2023 has an airbag in the driver side Pilar

 

All 5th gens have an air bag there, same as the passenger side A pillar, which does have a grab handle. There's a member on here whose 4R was in a wreck, he had a grab handle on the driver's side, and the airbag deployed as it was supposed to.

 

With all due respect, none of these are serious mods at all, and you said you want ideas for grab handles my friend. And, if you click on the link for my thread I sent, and actually read it, you'd find an educated conversation directly about drivers side air bags - and a conclusion that drivers handle is OK.

Nevermind

 

I've been pondering this topic a bit. Assuming it's not a crash safety issue, I wonder if the A pillar position would feel like the best location functionally and whether it would clutter my field of view. I could find out by letting my wife drive for a change while I sit in the passenger seat but I'm not ready for that kind of sacrifice. It does seem like a grab handle would be convenient, since I tend to haul myself in by the steering wheel.

 

I can assure you that this does not interfere with the field of view in any way. It might seem that way from the first photo below, but it does not.



For anyone interested, this is what the first iteration, using Jason's bracket, the oem grab handle, and modified oem a-pillar looked like:



Solid setup, I just wanted a bit more finger room.

 

Truer words were never spoken. My wife got a new car in November and, except for driving it home that night because she didn't want to drive it in the dark, I've been in that car ZERO times since I refuse to ride in a car she drives. Nope, we'll just take the runner and I'll drive.

 

Do you use it a lot?

 

Quite a bit. I prefer to use it exiting the 4R so as not to slide over the seat edge, flattening that out. I use it mostly in conjunction with the sliders I have.

 

I have both the a-pillar grab handle and the FJ grab handle replacing the flip down handle over the door. I rely more on FJ handle. In retrospect I might have started with that and live with it for a while. I use both, but I could probable be happy with just the FJ handle.



Look here for installation notes.

 

I'll start by using the flip-down handle more, but I'll keep this mod in mind if it doesn't seem like enough.

 

Of course it will interfere with your view
So do ditch lights
But you'll have a handle!

 

The FJ handle inspires much more confidence. I installed it in 20 minutes. Now that I’ve done it once I could do it in 10 minutes.

Do you have running boards or sliders?

 

That looks sick!
I know I'd hit my bald head tho on the fj

 

Yeah, the flip-down handle isn't exactly a rated recovery point.

I have Predator steps because that's what was on the way. I have mixed feelings about them, so they may not be on for the long haul. However, I find them useful for stepping down and thus far it hasn't gouged my shin. However, a big rock on some FS road will eventually teach me a lesson.

 

There was an adjustment period, but it was brief. After a couple of days I’ve never hit my head again.

My 4Runner came with Predator steps. They were the first thing to go. I replaced mine with sliders, but even the run of the mill Toyota running boards would be preferable to the Predators. YMMV.

 

It's less of a big deal for those who have one of them fancy heads of hair

 

I understand. I’m still fancy in that way but I have friends who aren’t and they have been quite vocal that hair provides a level of protection that those of us who have it take for granted.

Maybe a paracord handle would be a good choice for you?

 

My 2015 Tacoma has the grab handle on both A pillars (YOU LISTENING TOYOTA?). After 9 years and 113,000 miles as a daily driver, I am used to that handle. I use it every single time I enter the vehicle and when I exit. It irritates me to no end that my 4 Runner does not have a handle on the driver's A pillar.

 

The driver's side grab handle does not obstruct the view;