I do use the one on the passenger, especially since just having surgery on my right foot. Otherwise, I grab the roof.

While I see the possible advantage of this mod, has anyone had an airbag activation (including the driver's side airbag) following this mod?

While it is easy to say "the manufacturer cheaped out again", the fact remains is that we do not know why it isn't on the 5th generation.

About 10 years ago, vW owners started complaining about the fact that VW dropped the little change cubby on the Golf/GTI. There were pages of complaints on the forums. Long story short, the cubby was dropped due a regulatory requirement that required a knee bolster to prevent submarining following a crash.

The point here is that this mod may prevent the correct deployment of the airbag system. The design of the windshield, A pillars, dashboard and door panels are all part of the equation. Airbags are also designed to reposition the occupant. Perhaps that handle was removed because people's heads were whacking it during certain accidents.

D I S C L A I M E R:
I AM NOT AN ENGINEER AND NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR ACTIONS, PERIOD. DO THIS MOD AT YOUR OWN DISCRETION

This has been previously discussed as to the location of the airbag and deployment, if you remove both A pillar covers, the airbag uses exact same location. Both mounting holes are in the exact same locations, covers and handles are in the same locations. The passenger side it is unobstructed, how could the driver side be obstructed?
please explain

Thank you.

Drivers but not Passengers? Seems unlikely reason to have it on one side. It would be gone on passenger side also if hitting the head on it was an issue.

Yes, there is a risk of the driver's head colliding with the grab handle under certain conditions.

Before doing this mod on my own rig, I reviewed a lot of crash test footage. I determined that it would not interfere with correct airbag deployment. However, during a head on small-overlap collision to the driver's side, the driver's head does tend to traverse towards the a-pillar region. Which I suspect is the reason why Toyota chose not to put a grab handle that area.

Unfortunately, if I ever get in such a wreck, whacking my head on the grab handle will probably not be my biggest concern... the highest risk of injury will occur when the front tire rotates into the passenger compartment and crushes both of my legs.

In any event, it's a risk I'm comfortable with.

This is from a previous post.

"Btw not sure if it was mentioned but I 100% guarantee this handle was left off just the US 4Runner because of US-specific crash testing.

Not positive which test, but I'm guessing that it impeded on the dummy (or the dummy's momentum pushed it into the handle orclose to it) in some offset or frontal crash.

Guessing something about the GX or other model Lexus SUVs made it impede differently or to a lesser extent."

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

Oddly enough, the driver and passenger react differently in crashes and it is in the small overlap crash where Vince's head can impact the handle on the driver's side, but Larry doesn't whack his head on the passenger side.

So you're OK with traumatic brain injury in addition to some leg damage? BTW, on the driver's side small overlap test, the front wheel folds under the car.

I'm always amazed as how the passengers and the drivers react differently in accidents and that is, in part, because the body structure is different on both sides.

A prime example is the Jeep Grand Cherokee, that failed in the small overlap test. At the time, that test was only conducted on the driver's side, so they beefed up the structure on that side in 2016. They added the passenger side test and - of course - it failed the test.

The bottom line is that it isn't always the greedy bean counters that cause a change.

It's all about risk assessment. If collision safety was my primary criterion, I wouldn't even be driving a 4Runner in the first place.
I understand your concerns and they have been duly noted. But at this point, you're starting to tread close to territory.

Attached Images

   

That's my specialty

None of us ever expect to get into an accident - but - the 4Runner is quite a capable vehicle and no "less safe" than most other vehicles.

all pm's replied and emails as well. if i missed anyone please let me know.

thanks,
-J

this entire mod was a result of my wife being 5'-1" and being use to having a handle on all her prior SUV's....

-J

Been following a long time, with a fair bit of reading.. figured joining here was the next logical move. Very much looking to do this mod on my '19!! It seems as if every vehicle except for one of my coupes had a handle on the A pillar...
Thank you to Jason for going the distance and creating the fix. Is your email correct on the first page of this thread? Ive got the handle and the bolt covers.

If the brackets are still available, I would love to order one!!

Yes in stock...email me.
Jasontamu2002@gmail com

J

I'm not surprised toyota doesn't offer this as an accessory, but I'm shocked that there aren't 3rd party companies that offer it. Good on ya, Jason.

Sent you an email Jason! I am excited to get this done. I love the look and if it can make life easier getting in then it's all a win!