Originally Posted by ElectroBoy

Thanks, Jason for a sorely needed mod. I just installed mine today. It took me a good amount of time due to my paranoia about cutting into my A pillar cover. After many measurements and many test fittings I got it done.

I did make a few tweaks to your excellent instructions to satisfy my OCD.
It’s always good to protect your dash surfaces and A pillar cover with masking tape and put down a towel on the dash to avoid scratches while working with tools. I also taped all around the hole drill locations to create a “bucket” with the tape sticky side up in order to catch the metal shavings.

I found that the pointed blade end on the sheet metal screws wasn’t sharp enough to enlarge the initial 1/8 inch pilot hole. So I drilled progressively larger holes, up to 3/16 I believe, to get to the proper size for the sheet metal screws to take hold and tap a few turns for the threads. I then backed out the screw and cut off the blade ends with a dremel cutting disc. On my A pillar the screws seemed too long, there was some kind of plastic backing in there that would have been pierced with the screw blade ends.

I used blue loctite on the threads and snugged up the bracket to the pillar. With the cover installed I found that the white nylon base on the lower attachment point of the handle needed to be shaved down to make it fit flush with the surface of the cover.

It looks great and feels just as sturdy as the passenger-side handle.
Thanks to @Jasontamu and @Saker .

Originally Posted by ElectroBoy

Thanks, Jason for a sorely needed mod. I just installed mine today. It took me a good amount of time due to my paranoia about cutting into my A pillar cover. After many measurements and many test fittings I got it done.

I did make a few tweaks to your excellent instructions to satisfy my OCD.
It’s always good to protect your dash surfaces and A pillar cover with masking tape and put down a towel on the dash to avoid scratches while working with tools. I also taped all around the hole drill locations to create a “bucket” with the tape sticky side up in order to catch the metal shavings.

I found that the pointed blade end on the sheet metal screws wasn’t sharp enough to enlarge the initial 1/8 inch pilot hole. So I drilled progressively larger holes, up to 3/16 I believe, to get to the proper size for the sheet metal screws to take hold and tap a few turns for the threads. I then backed out the screw and cut off the blade ends with a dremel cutting disc. On my A pillar the screws seemed too long, there was some kind of plastic backing in there that would have been pierced with the screw blade ends.

I used blue loctite on the threads and snugged up the bracket to the pillar. With the cover installed I found that the white nylon base on the lower attachment point of the handle needed to be shaved down to make it fit flush with the surface of the cover.

It looks great and feels just as sturdy as the passenger-side handle.
Thanks to @Jasontamu and @Saker .

Originally Posted by 9405t4r

now just have to see where to get the rest of the parts

Originally Posted by <<<<

I can’t order this from Jason (e-mails and PMs unresponsive) Stand by...

Originally Posted by Saker

[B]Driver Side "A" Pillar Grip Handle Install on a 2014+ T4R...

Drivers Side "A" Pillar Grip Handle Bracket

Originally Posted by Jkdog

Great write up/Mod and something I would like to have on my 2019. My 2004 4R had the pillar handle but not a handle above the door. However, I just have to ask, in regards to the A pillar air bag, does anyone know how the air bag deploys? The only reason I can see for Toyota not putting the handle on the pillar is due to a possible risk. Is there a chance that adding the handle will imped the airbag? I removed the cover when I installed my phone mic, and I couldn't figure out how it all worked (but I didn't really care too much at that point). I know most people don't know the answer, just thought I would put it out there.

Originally Posted by Saker

I understand there is a video on YouTube of the 4Runner air bag deployment.

The airbag on the passenger side is in the same location as the drivers side location. The handle locates in the same configuration but with a kit instead of the welded brackets from the TOYOTA factory. Do yourself a favor and pull both trim pieces off and take a look!

I stated before that I think it should have been a factory grip handle located there like the FJ Cruisers have.

Originally Posted by cb1111

Finally, I'm a bit concerned about the clip that the screw goes into (see picture above) as it has a sharp edge right next to the curtain airbag. Can that clip be reversed to move the sharp edge away from the curtain.

Originally Posted by cb1111

Yes, it is odd that Toyota doesn't have a handle there. Accordingly, we have to ask ourselves "why not?"

It may not be a cost saving measure.

While both "A" pillars may have side curtain airbags in a similar position, this does not mean that they deploy in an identical manner. In addition, there may be other crash testing reasons why that handle isn't there.

Finally, I'm a bit concerned about the clip that the screw goes into (see picture above) as it has a sharp edge right next to the curtain airbag. Can that clip be reversed to move the sharp edge away from the curtain.

Has anyone with this mod had a side curtain deployment?

EDIT: I think this is a great mod and something that Toyota should have engineered in. Props to the design an execution. I just hope it doesn't interfere with the airbag operation - unfortunately there is only one way to find out...