Drivers Side “A” Pillar Grip Handle Installed on 2014 -2025 T4R

[daytonaviolet]

Yes, as in my photo

Thanks I’ll give it a try this weekend

 

[daytonaviolet]

Yes, I had to cut the opening large enough for the clip to clear. But be careful so it’s not too big or the opening may show. Also, 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.

Yes I shaved the square base all the way done. I didn’t want to shave the round part where the bolt goes thru as it may weaken the handle. But currently the handle sits very flush to the A pillar.

 

[patkelly4370]

All the parts arrived the other day. I got home from work 1½ days later than usual.
So the handle is tomorrows project.

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[Jasontamu]

Hi everyone....

I shipped out a good amount of orders. Thank you all.

Been crazy at home working on them after work but fun and im glad everyone is happy with it...

If I missed any emails just reply again.

Thank you all.

J

 

[patkelly4370]

Thank you Jason.
Installed mine the other day. I'll have to do a bit more trimming, but it is secure and really helps with getting in and out.

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[Jasontamu]

Im out of town on work and brought a few with me in my luggage. If I run out I'll let you know when ordering but I have more back home.

Thanks,
J

 

[CutthroatSlam]

Other than looks, I am at a loss for the purpose/use of this mod. When you're driving offroad, the driver should have both hands on the wheel. It's not needed to get in or out. It looks like it gets in the way.

 

[patkelly4370]

Other than looks, I am at a loss for the purpose/use of this mod. When you're driving offroad, the driver should have both hands on the wheel. It's not needed to get in or out. It looks like it gets in the way.

I have arthritis in my left knee.
This handle makes it easier for me to get in without using the steering wheel as a handle, prematurely wearing the steering column bearings and not sliding off the seat when I get out, wearing and tearing the seams on the seat cover.
If I was still a young buck it wouldn't be an issue.
I don't use it when driving.

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[Saker]

Other than looks, I am at a loss for the purpose/use of this mod. When you're driving offroad, the driver should have both hands on the wheel. It's not needed to get in or out. It looks like it gets in the way.

:wow:

Thank you for your input.
No amount of typing here will obviously convince you of the pros of any of these handles.
Maybe we should just take the one off of the passenger side...., you should contact Toyota and suggest that!


:lmao:

 

[daytonaviolet]

Other than looks, I am at a loss for the purpose/use of this mod. When you're driving offroad, the driver should have both hands on the wheel. It's not needed to get in or out. It looks like it gets in the way.

My 3rd and 4th gen runner had the Oem a pillar bar. Was surprised the 5th gen didn’t have it. The a pillar bar helps to get into a lifted runner. You can also use the steering wheel but sometimes when it moves, you might loose your balance. Wifey is 5’3” and she needs this to get into a lifted runner.

 

[CutthroatSlam]

My 3rd and 4th gen runner had the Oem a pillar bar. Was surprised the 5th gen didn’t have it. The a pillar bar helps to get into a lifted runner. You can also use the steering wheel but sometimes when it moves, you might loose your balance. Wifey is 5’3” and she needs this to get into a lifted runner.

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

 

[cb1111]

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.

 

[Saker]

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.

 

[Space King]

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.

...

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.

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.

 

[patkelly4370]

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.

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."

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[cb1111]

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."

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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.

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.

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.

 

[Space King]

So you're OK with traumatic...

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 :deadhorse: territory.

 

[cb1111]

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 :deadhorse: territory.

That's my specialty :lol:

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.

 

[Jasontamu]

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

thanks,
-J