4th Gen Driver's Side Holy *$%@ Handle

[gonzo]

any idea why there is no handle on the driver's side, although it appears to be ready for one? anybody put an accessory in place?

 

[rando]

Mine has a driver side handle on the pillar above the dash. Is that the one you mean?

 

[sharp4runr]

I think he means the one above your head. It was left out intentionally (don't ask me why...) You can buy the parts from Toyota and put one if you like...

 

[dcampen]

Yeah, lots of people ask about this. I noticed this too and wondered if I had been shorted a handle but no, this is how they are delivered.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=3878&highlight=handle

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=3292&highlight=handle

I have decided that I am glad the handle is not there. Being 6 ft. tall I would not use it and I would probably just be bumping my head on it. Even my wife, who is 5'6" just uses the forward handle but not the overhead handle when she gets into the passenger seat.

 

[Luxury]

......I have decided that I am glad the handle is not there. Being 6 ft. tall I would not use it and I would probably just be bumping my head on it......

I completely agree. But, somehow, I don't think that is why they left it off. I wonder why they left it off.

 

[Biff]

I thought about the no handle thing. The way I see it is that you don't need one, if you are driving you should have both hands on the wheel not holding on to something.

 

[DjGorilla]

The driver side is ready for a handle because of the Versions with the steering column on the right side.

Sometimes I like to reach my right arm behind my head and grab on to the rear driver side handle.

 

[Luxury]

I thought about the no handle thing. The way I see it is that you don't need one, if you are driving you should have both hands on the wheel not holding on to something.

Especially with a S/C!

The driver side is ready for a handle because of the Versions with the steering column on the right side.

Sometimes I like to reach my right arm behind my head and grab on to the rear driver side handle.

Good thinking, that has got to be it. Maybe they figure the driver doesn't need one there because they have the steering wheel to pull themselves into the car. That is assuming that is what the handle is for, of course.

That or maybe when you are saying Holy *$%@, you are probably safer holding onto the steering wheel. Then again, maybe not, if the airbag deploys it is probably better for your arms to not be on the steering wheel.

I better get back to work, before I continue to ramble on.

 

[Mark86]

It is funny you should ask. The parts came in yesterday and it took like 5 minutes to do. You need the handle, 2 screws, and 2 plugs. I recommend that you do it. It looks really good and it is easier to get in!

 

[Luxury]

It is funny you should ask. The parts came in yesterday and it took like 5 minutes to do. You need the handle, 2 screws, and 2 plugs. I recommend that you do it. It looks really good and it is easier to get in!

Thanks for the info. Plus, it must be a pretty cheap mod. How tall are you? Just curious how the head clearance is.

 

[Mark86]

Thanks for the info. Plus, it must be a pretty cheap mod. How tall are you? Just curious how the head clearance is.

The parts cost me around $26. I am 6' 1'' and head clearance is fine.

 

[Luxury]

Cool, maybe I'll do it then. Where did you get your parts? Did you have to break into the headliner at all?

 

[Mark86]

Cool, maybe I'll do it then. Where did you get your parts? Did you have to break into the headliner at all?

I got my parts from Galaxy Toyota, which is where I bought my truck from. You don't have to break into the headliner at all. You just have to pop the caps out and screw it in. Be careful not to scratch it though.

 

[schneidermj]

When I first purchased my truck I thought the same thing, where's the handle? However after going 4 wheeling a time or two, I realize its a good thing it's not there. I like to raise the seat so I have better visability. In that position I would have hit my head countless times on the handle. Although, the wife would probably like it...

 

[bryancos]

For convenience, here's repost of part info from Ghost Rider:

<I>Here's a quote from Toyotaparts4u for the parts required to add a grey/stone driver's side assist handle...


74603-60010-B0 Grip subassembly $23.54
74617-60050-B0 Plug $2.88
74617-60040-B0 Plug $2.88
93381-26030 Screw (4) $.48 each
</I>

Note from moi:
<B>For an OAK/TAN interior, change "B0" above to "E0"

By the way, PARTZNET has MUCH CHEAPER prices:</B>

7460360010E0 $20.69 $16.14
Roof - Interior trim - Grip handle - Fawn

7461760050E0 $1.60 $1.25
Roof - Interior trim - Handle cover - Type b
Fawn - W/o sunroof 2003 - 2004

7461760040E0 $1.60 $1.25
Roof - Interior trim - Handle cover - Type a
Fawn - W/o sunroof 2003 - 2004

 

[Sac State]

handle

It took me about 10 minutes to install this mod.

You pop off the OEM plastic covers and screw in the handle. There are two screw covers (they have to be the correct side, the covers are specific) to pop back into the opening.

My dealer ordered two covers thinking they were interchangeable, they are not. One cover fits the front hole and the second cover fits the second hole. This has to do with the curvature of the handle.

My only concern is if I were in a side impact crash. The way the handle is positioned is right next to your skull. Any sideways crash and my head would have a new logo.

 

[Luxury]

For convenience, here's repost of part info from Ghost Rider:

<I>Here's a quote from Toyotaparts4u for the parts required to add a grey/stone driver's side assist handle...


74603-60010-B0 Grip subassembly $23.54
74617-60050-B0 Plug $2.88
74617-60040-B0 Plug $2.88
93381-26030 Screw (4) $.48 each
</I>

Note from moi:
<B>For an OAK/TAN interior, change "B0" above to "E0"

By the way, PARTZNET has MUCH CHEAPER prices:</B>

7460360010E0 $20.69 $16.14
Roof - Interior trim - Grip handle - Fawn

7461760050E0 $1.60 $1.25
Roof - Interior trim - Handle cover - Type b
Fawn - W/o sunroof 2003 - 2004

7461760040E0 $1.60 $1.25
Roof - Interior trim - Handle cover - Type a
Fawn - W/o sunroof 2003 - 2004

Be careful to order the right pieces. The post above got me curious about the "W/o sunroof" so I went to partznet and sure enough there is a whole set of "w/ sunroof" too. Do any of you know what the shipping costs are for either of the two options quoted above? Hey Sac, do you have a sunroof?

 

[Ghost Rider]

For convenience, here's repost of part info from Ghost Rider:

Here's a quote from Toyotaparts4u for the parts required to add a grey/stone driver's side assist handle...


74603-60010-B0 Grip subassembly $23.54
74617-60050-B0 Plug $2.88
74617-60040-B0 Plug $2.88
93381-26030 Screw (4) $.48 each



BTW, I have the sunroof...

Those part numbers worked for me...

 

[Sac State]

Sunroof

Yes, I have a sunroof, don't open it much, but there is a hole.

I don't recall having to tell the parts guy I had a sunroof to order a specific product though.

 

[Mark86]

I don't see how a sunroof would matter. This handle is not even close to where the sunroof opens. The only thing that I put that mattered if I had a sunroof is the Homelink.