Driver side grab handle
- Thread starter AE1M
- Start date
JustSomeName
New member
how did you install it on the driver side? what do you mean the existing screws are "hidden"?
HokieRunner
New member
If you look where there should be one on the driver's side, there are two filler caps. Pop them open and unscrew them. Re-use those screws for the handle. If you look at the headliner above the driver's door it will make sense.
I bought a spare handle from a member on here and added it a few months ago. Wish they had put it in from factory!
Tif
New member
wkeryder4
New member
Sure, here you go. I saw it done on another 4runner forum and I really like how it looked and it works just as well as any other handle. I do hit my head on it sometimes, especially if I'm wearing a hat but it isn't a nuisance at all and if I took the time to adjust it, it probably wouldn't be an issue. However, I don't use it as often as I thought I would when I made it.
Tif
New member
Sure, here you go. I saw it done on another 4runner forum and I really like how it looked and it works just as well as any other handle. I do hit my head on it sometimes, especially if I'm wearing a hat but it isn't a nuisance at all and if I took the time to adjust it, it probably wouldn't be an issue. However, I don't use it as often as I thought I would when I made it.
That looks Awesome!!!
You said you modified the caps? Do you have any pics of how you did it?
wkeryder4
New member
I don't actually. That took longer than make the actual handle. I basically pulled them off and cut them up and built a base of the shape and then used bondo to fill everything in. after it was dry I went back and carefully sanded it smooth and sprayed it with some gray primer that ended up matching the color pretty well. If you didn't want to go through all that trouble you could just cut a groove into them that will allow you to pull on the handle without them getting popped off.
Tif
New member
Ohh ok cool.
I have a friend who runs a factory that makes stuff out of plastic. He may be able to make some cheaper/easier than that but the whole idea is awesome and knowing it can be done with bondo is good too just in case he can't.
Thanks so much for your time and picture!!
USFPhill03
New member
That paracord grab handle looks great! I saw 4wheelparts had ones that go around the front headrests for the rear seat passengers. The damn plug on the driver side grab handle keeps popping out (2nd time now and I lost the plug), maybe I'm just too fat.Sure, here you go. I saw it done on another 4runner forum and I really like how it looked and it works just as well as any other handle. I do hit my head on it sometimes, especially if I'm wearing a hat but it isn't a nuisance at all and if I took the time to adjust it, it probably wouldn't be an issue. However, I don't use it as often as I thought I would when I made it.
Ron Helmuth
Senior Member
reviving the thread
Yes, I see it is a 7 year old+ thread, some of us are just now getting into the modding of our 4th gens. Even the photo in my signature has not caught up to the latest gen I picked up a couple of years back.
Most helpful- and thank you RickC for the part numbers, getting ready to order now and the grip sub assembly part number is now replaced with:
74603-44020-B4
Confirm your own color of course.....or perhaps they only come in the Stone one, not sure about that, as that is the one to match mine.
Why do we want one on the driver's side? It's helpful to those of us that are vertically challenged to step up onto the rock slider/side step, then pull ourselves in from a top (underside of the roof mounted) grip instead of a sideways A pillar orientation.
Thanks for the thread and pertinent answers from the forum users!:tea:
Yes, I see it is a 7 year old+ thread, some of us are just now getting into the modding of our 4th gens. Even the photo in my signature has not caught up to the latest gen I picked up a couple of years back.
Most helpful- and thank you RickC for the part numbers, getting ready to order now and the grip sub assembly part number is now replaced with:
74603-44020-B4
Confirm your own color of course.....or perhaps they only come in the Stone one, not sure about that, as that is the one to match mine.
Why do we want one on the driver's side? It's helpful to those of us that are vertically challenged to step up onto the rock slider/side step, then pull ourselves in from a top (underside of the roof mounted) grip instead of a sideways A pillar orientation.
Thanks for the thread and pertinent answers from the forum users!:tea:
Lewis&Clark
New member
Yes there is a spot for it. It was the very first mod I ever did on my truck. Buy a passenger handle. It screws right on.
Lots of manufacturers no longer put grab handles there because of liability concerns (two handed driving is safer).
Alan in Alabama
New member
I bought a used grab handle for my 1999 4Runner on eBay ($15 + $10 shipping). It looks new and came with the screws. The roof frame is already drilled and tapped for the screws. I found the holes by probing with a needle. It mounts in exactly the same position as the one on the passenger side. Install took about 2 minutes. I am 5'8" and it's nowhere near my head. If you are over 6' then sit in the passenger seat to see if the handle there bothers you before getting one.
One of the main benefits of the new grab bar is that it will keep the driver's seat from wearing out! Why? People of short or average height swing their left leg out, it doesn't reach the ground, so they slide off the seat edge with their full weight on the seat edge, wearing out the left edge of the driver's seat. Look at the driver's seat of any high mileage 4Runner for sale. Tall drivers may be able to reach the ground with their left leg to support some of their weight while exiting. Or you can step on the running board, or use the new grab bar to support some of your wight while sliding out. Picture shows the wear I'm talking about on my driver's seat bottom before I reupholstered it. Note the inner side of the driver's seat is always not worn much at all.
One of the main benefits of the new grab bar is that it will keep the driver's seat from wearing out! Why? People of short or average height swing their left leg out, it doesn't reach the ground, so they slide off the seat edge with their full weight on the seat edge, wearing out the left edge of the driver's seat. Look at the driver's seat of any high mileage 4Runner for sale. Tall drivers may be able to reach the ground with their left leg to support some of their weight while exiting. Or you can step on the running board, or use the new grab bar to support some of your wight while sliding out. Picture shows the wear I'm talking about on my driver's seat bottom before I reupholstered it. Note the inner side of the driver's seat is always not worn much at all.
