A pillar grab handle - NO BRACKET REQ'D!

[emmantik]

Added a driver's side A pillar grab handle without a bracket. Here's a quick write up!

(No, it won't be as strong as with the bracket but it is pretty strong as is to be honest. There is another post with the bracket if you choose to go that route)

What you will need:

1. Extra grab handle with 2 covers
2. Extra M6 bolt for top location. Needs to be at least 1/2-3/4" longer than stock bolt.
3. Extra M6 bolt. At least 3/4".
4. Extra nuts and washers.
5. Dremel/drill/drill bit

Here is the end result. Took about 1/2 hour.

The following is a quick write up!

 

[emmantik]

Remove A pillar trim. Note that you can remove inner black piece easily. Just make slits to the following welded spots.

 

[emmantik]

With a little force you can pry it up.

 

[emmantik]

trim square tabs and round tab on bottom hole. You can leave the round part on the top hole.

 

[emmantik]

Test fit handle. Mark the hole for bottom.

 

[emmantik]

Connect bottom to the trim with extra bolt, washers, nut.

 

[emmantik]

I was gonna leave as is but decided to re-attach black trim. Drilled a hole to fit the new bolt. You can attach the black piece with glue or whatever. I decided to leave as it seems to be snug just pressure fitted.

 

[emmantik]

Use new longer bolt and washers for top hole. Add the covers and you are good to go! Enjoy your new driver's side grab handle1

 

[daytonaviolet]

Nice write up. But IMHO it’s stronger with the bottom bracket. I have this setup with the bracket.

 

[KSJ088]

Yeah you grab onto that W/any force you're gonna ripped that lower bolt right outta the plastic. Not trying to be negative/critical, just being honest.
I too did it W/bracket/kit I purchased from fellow member here.

 

[Saker]

Use new longer bolt and washers for top hole. Add the covers and you are good to go! Enjoy your new driver's side grab handle1

Nice write up. But IMHO it’s stronger with the bottom bracket. I have this setup with the bracket.

I can envision pulling the bottom out when trying to get in.
No support from the frame.

YMMV

 

[emmantik]

Nice write up. But IMHO it’s stronger with the bottom bracket. I have this setup with the bracket.

I agree! But I don't plan on putting a lot of weight on it so it will do just fine for me. It's actually pretty strong on there as is. But yes, I think it would be stronger with the bracket.

 

[CajunMikeR]

While that would be great for "the look", I personally would be afraid to put any real stress on it in an "oh shit" situation.

At 230lbs, I don't think I would trust it to help me climb up in or readjust in the seat without some stress issues on the lower portion.

 

[alphabeast]

My 4Runner already came with a driver side grab handle.. its the round one...

 

[ragin_cajun]

No way... If you are going to do this mod, do it the right way. A grab handle is supposed to be used. This is nothing more than cosmetic - you grab it getting in off your rock sliders and it gives loose, guess what's going to happen.

Completely unsafe suggestion.

 

[ahtoxa11]

No way... If you are going to do this mod, do it the right way. A grab handle is supposed to be used. This is nothing more than cosmetic - you grab it getting in off your rock sliders and it gives loose, guess what's going to happen.

Completely unsafe suggestion.

I agree.

OP - kudos to you for doing this, but it's not the right way to do it. Don't take it personally, it's just not a strong way to attach it. Someone will get in and use it (like a lube tech at dealer or whatever) and it's gonna come right off while damaging trim and maybe making them fall.

 

[repo]

You've committed this far it cant be that difficult to (carefully) put a couple of M8 plusnuts in the metal with some type of standoff.

 

[Saker]

You've committed this far it cant be that difficult to (carefully) put a couple of M8 plusnuts in the metal with some type of standoff.

@repo,
You must mean like this thread!

So easy, I couldn’t help it.