Probably stupid grab handle question

[BamBam]

Ok, so I have a 2007 Sport model and I noticed that the little handle you can use to grab on to in order to lift yourself up isn't there on my driver's side. There are some factory looking plugs in the place of it.

The only reason I even noticed is because I was parked on our slanted driveway today and reached in to grab it and said to myself, "Hey self... there is no handle there." Having just had a massive back operation, I could really use the extra handle. Was this an option, or something that you could delete when buying the vehicle, or were they not put there for a reason? Did they obstruct the view or the air bags? Did the person who owned it before me just randomly remove it? I'd like to have all of the grabbers I can, especially as I prepare to lift it and spend more time off road.

Thanks for any info. Also if anybody know where I can buy the part and if it is ok to install it I'd appreciate it. I can post a picture tomorrow during daylight hours if nobody knows what I'm talking about.

 

[deedubb]

Glad to see I'm not the only one who talks to his self.

I too have reached for that handle only to come up with rug burnt knuckles on the roof carpet. I want one too by the way. Perhaps someone will chime in. I'm assuming you can just get another passenger side one from the dealer and install it there.

 

[martini]

Here are the part numbers: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/61654-driver-side-grab-handle.html

 

[TechWrench]

Ok, so I have a 2007 Sport model and I noticed that the little handle you can use to grab on to in order to lift yourself up isn't there on my driver's side. There are some factory looking plugs in the place of it.

The only reason I even noticed is because I was parked on our slanted driveway today and reached in to grab it and said to myself, "Hey self... there is no handle there." Having just had a massive back operation, I could really use the extra handle. Was this an option, or something that you could delete when buying the vehicle, or were they not put there for a reason? Did they obstruct the view or the air bags? Did the person who owned it before me just randomly remove it? I'd like to have all of the grabbers I can, especially as I prepare to lift it and spend more time off road.

Thanks for any info. Also if anybody know where I can buy the part and if it is ok to install it I'd appreciate it. I can post a picture tomorrow during daylight hours if nobody knows what I'm talking about.

To the best of my knowledge, none of the 4Runners came with that drivers side grab handle installed, only the one on the 'A' pillar. While both were normally installed on the passenger side. I use the 'A' pillar one when getting in the vehicle, and haven't found the need for the extra one, yet. That being said, there are several threads on this issue, and part numbers are available to install one, if you want to.

 

[Maz]

Isn't the grab handle set up on the left side for occasions if or when the car is manufactured in Right Hand Drive? Then the handle is installed on the left and the uninstalled part is on the right. In any case a left grab handle could be installed, and you can use the grab handle located on the windshild pillar.

 

[BamBam]

Isn't the grab handle set up on the left side for occasions if or when the car is manufactured in Right Hand Drive? Then the handle is installed on the left and the uninstalled part is on the right. In any case a left grab handle could be installed, and you can use the grab handle located on the windshild pillar.

That makes good sense Maz. I had never considered the right hand drive models.

Thanks for the part numbers to those above. Now I am wondering which one is missing for me! I can't remember if it is the one on the pillar or the one above the window. I better go look. I just know I went to grab it yesterday and it wasn't there.

Normally it wouldn't be a big deal. I've never used grab handles. After my discussion with my back surgeon though of yesterday afternoon he recommended I use them, stair rails, etc. etc. when moving around to avoid messing up my back and making my hardware slip, so I'll take his word for it.

 

[clemsonxplorer]

cant you just move the one from the passenger side to the driver side or maybe the one by the windshield could be moved?

 

[zerowkul98]

Im not too sure which one this guy means, so here's a shot of mine.

Do you mean the one on the ceiling? or the one on the diagonal windshield area?

 

[Maz]

Yes he's talking about the ceiling one.

 

[CaliDreamer]

I was just thinking about this yesterday. Thanks for bringing it up. My only question I'm wondering is can anyone speak to how the handle on the drivers side affects visibility, comfort, etc.? The only reason I ask is because I would love to install a handle on the drivers side, but I'm afraid I'd be constantly hitting my head on it as I got in the drivers seat, or maybe getting more annoyed by it than anything else.

 

[Maz]

I was just thinking about this yesterday. Thanks for bringing it up. My only question I'm wondering is can anyone speak to how the handle on the drivers side affects visibility, comfort, etc.? The only reason I ask is because I would love to install a handle on the drivers side, but I'm afraid I'd be constantly hitting my head on it as I got in the drivers seat, or maybe getting more annoyed by it than anything else.

Dreamer it's not going to affect visibility, since it's above eye level. Once you duck a little to clear your head through the door opening, it would take a contortionist to then pop your head up so quickly to make any contact with it. The only factor on comfort would be that while unlikely, it might be possible to bump your head on it while driving. Look at it this way....you have the very same handle on the passenger side. Have you every had anyone bump their head or have their view blocked sitting there?

 

[BamBam]

Thanks for the pic. Yes, it is the one above the door there that is missing, just like in the picture. It's funny because today my son said "Why is your door the only one without a handle above it?" I just had to laugh. He's six and now he's noticing that stuff too.

I think I will go ahead and order it, because depending on the angle I'm getting in to the vehicle then it is sometimes easier to grab that one than the other. Plus like others mentioned... on a long drive I like to be able to reach up and grab it for a little stretch.

Any suggestions on who to order it from? The local dealership here is full of puds. I'd rather order it from somebody out of state and have it mailed.

 

[Uneek]

I was just thinking about this yesterday. Thanks for bringing it up. My only question I'm wondering is can anyone speak to how the handle on the drivers side affects visibility, comfort, etc.? The only reason I ask is because I would love to install a handle on the drivers side, but I'm afraid I'd be constantly hitting my head on it as I got in the drivers seat, or maybe getting more annoyed by it than anything else.

It takes away headroom, because the visor when flipped over to the side doesn't get as close to the window. I found out on a long drive when I had someone else drive and I was in the passenger seat.

 

[drbiii]

I installed a grab handle on my driver's side about a month after I got my 4RNR.

It does cause a sight clearance issue when you are entering and exiting the vehicle, but after a few times of hitting your head, you'll learn to duck a little more.