Pull Down Srap On Tailgate

[t4r808]

Hello All, I was just curious ir anyone else noticed that the pull down strap on the tailgate looks a little (how should I say it) weak! I have a black 4runner and don't like to put fingerprints on the tailgate to pull it down, but I use the srtap to close it part way then use the license plate to close it. I noticed that the pulldown strap doesn't look that sturdy...has anyone else noticed this???? Has anyone tried to Mod or beef up this pulldown strap??
Just curious....Thanks in Advance for your opinions!

 

[jharris2]

Actually, I think the piece that connects the strap to the tailgate looks weak. So I just put a few fingerprints on the tailgate to be safe. Since the spoiler throws lots of dirt and dust down the tailgate, the fingerprints don't show.

 

[ToolmanJohn]

Has worked ok for a year now.

I have a 2003, and I use the liftgate about 10 times a week. I almost always use the strap, then push it closed gently the last foot or so. It hasn't broken yet.

I imagine it's built strong enough to take abuse, even if it looks weak. Have had my 4runner a whole year now, plus 3 weeks. Very few minor problems. So far, it's the best vehicle I've owned.

 

[Mark86]

I think it is pretty strong. I always use it to pull down the liftgate because I don't like touching the paint (even though fingerprints don't show on silver!!). It hasn't ripped on me yet.

 

[t4r808]

Thanks for all your replys. It makes me feel a little better knowing that other people are like me and takes that EXTRA step to keep the runner cherry! Thanks again!