Driver side A pillar grab handle.

Do you think this will work with Jason's bracket? If it did I think it would be a perfect combination for a completely OEM finish.

 

When I first found out about the possibility of having an a-pillar grab handle I was enthusiastic. I liked the idea of the KTJO because it looked more stock, but I read all the warnings about folks not receiving their orders, or receiving incomplete kits. So I sent Jason an email to inquire about his kit. In the mean time I ordered and received the OEM grab handle, as well as an FJ grab handle. I wanted to compare them. After a week had passed I hadn’t heard back from Jason so I rolled the dice and ordered the KTJO kit. I ordered it on a Saturday and got an automated reply immediately. On the following Monday I got a shipping notification with a tracking number. So far so good, but by the following Thursday tracking the package still gave the result that the label had been created but the package not shipped. So I reached out to Jason again, got a response, and ordered his kit. Wouldn’t you know it, KTJO finally shipped the next day. I received the package. Everything was in it that is supposed to be. It was a 10 minute install. Meanwhile it’s been two weeks since I paid Jason and I haven’t received the bracket or heard a peep out of him.

The KTJO grab handle is very strong. It has been expressed that the type of rivnut supplied with the kit is inadequate. Well, I’m 210 lbs. and it’s perfectly adequate to hoist me and my sorry knees into the vehicle.

I also replaced the spring-loaded flip-up grab handle over the driver’s door with the FJ Cruiser grab handle. Much more confidence inspiring. The color matches perfectly and it looks OEM. Between the two grab handles and having replaced the stupid Predator steps with RSG sliders, it is so much easier to get into the vehicle. I recommend the setup to any other of my 4Runner brethren who have bad knees.



Finally, for those of you considering Jason’s kit I would advise going with the FJ grab handle. Having handled both types to compare, I observe that the 4Runner handle on the stock, flat, a-pillar doesn’t provide much room for the fingers.

 

Nice! Do the FJ upper handles bolt in? I have the KTJO kit and it came without issue. I also have a bracket from Jason incoming so I plan to see if that can be used with the KTJO trim. I suspect it can since the trim is pretty much the same design just no trimming required on the KTJO one.

 

Well, not exactly. Have a look:

1. This is the stock flip-up grab handle.
2. The stock grab handle removed. Uh-oh. Square holes.
3. The FJ grab handle, with an M6x1.0x50mm screw, plus appropriate split and flat washers, and a T-nut from the 80/20 system. (Of course two of everything are required per handle.)
4. The FJ handle, installed.

To install: with the bolts and washers through the handle and the t-nuts threaded onto the ends, rock the t-nuts into the square holes while oriented horizontally. Then, using a screwdriver press the t-nuts all the way into the holes, carefully rotate them to vertical, and then pull outward on the handle so that the square portion of the t-nut is captured in the square hole. The screws seem long, but they allow you to see what you’re doing at this phase. Finally, while pulling outward on the handle to keep the t-nuts engaged, screw in the screws until tight. I used a little blue LocTite.

I got the screws at my local hardware store.
I got the t-nuts

$12 13129, 45 Series M6 x 1.0 Standard Drop in T-Nut Steel (10 Pack)

HERE.

Edited to add: I got the idea to use the t-nuts from on the other forum. Credit to WAT4R. I stand on the shoulders of giants.

 

H

The thing that concerns me with the KTJO mounting is the rivnut is flat to the metal frame, whereas the upper bracket is out from the frame, and right behind the grab handle. With the KTJO mounting, there is going to be a gap between the back of the A-pillar trim and the mounting hole. I guess you could put a spacer between the rivnut and the back of the A-pillar trim to close that gap...




Jason's bracket sits right behind the A-pillar trim piece, just like the factory upper bracket. If Jason's bracket would work with the KTJO trim piece and grab handle, that gap would not be there and would be stronger IMO. I don't know if anyone has gotten both to see if they work together, but I would sure be interested...I may bite the bullet and get one to see.

 

The KTJO kit comes with a spacer.

I have no doubt that Jason’s bracket is stronger, but I find the KTJO setup to be adequate. I don’t know if Jason’s bracket will work with the KTJO trim piece.

 

Is the item below circled in red the spacer provided?

 

That’s it.

 

Yes sir, I did!

 

Nice to see you in this thread, sir. Friends, previously I gave credit to WAT4R as being the giant on whose shoulders I stood. He was inspired by Saker’s intrepid efforts. Great ideas and a willingness to share them should always be acknowledged.

 

I wonder if I can just buy the a pillar cover

 

Interesting… I wonder if it would impinge on headroom.

 

Depending on how you position your seat, and your torso length, the driver side FJ handle may be too low for you. I tried it and found that when looking over my left shoulder and leaning toward the window I’d often bump my head on it. I like how useful and solid it is but I replaced it with a soft paracord handle. I left the passenger side FJ handle as is for my short wife.

 

I have the KTJO kit I am just waiting on the bracket to ship from Jason so I should know as soon as that gets here. I see no reason why the bracket wouldn't work as the KTJO kit has the same spacing as the handle is spaced the same so location should match. The question is space between the bracket and the mounting hole. From looking at my KTJO trim there is really no material that needs to be removed vs drilling out and using the stock A-pillar trim.

 

So you're thinking the KTJO trim might just fit up against Jason's bracket without having to remove any material from the back side of it (see photo in post 11)? That would be great if so. The fact that the KTJO trim piece has a raised mounting point on the front seems to indicate that might be the case...in for the results...

 

I believe so as the KTJO trim doesn't have all that material behind the lower hole as it was not designed to retain that clip that is used on the OEM trim.

 

Do you have a photo of the back side of that trim piece?

 

I do not but here is a pic from the website which I can confirm is correct. I sort of have it mounted using the top mounting bracket until the lower one arrives from Jason. I can snag one though when I remove it.

 

From your website photo, it looks like it should work. If so, I'd also be interested in how the A-pillar trim cover fits compared to the oem. You can see the comparison of how the top looks from the photos of the install on the KTJO website. The first two photos are the oem, the third is the KTJO trim panel cover.

 

Yeah. From the photo it doesn’t look like that trim piece has OEM quality form and fit. Or maybe even color match.
Compare the fit at the top of the A pillar.

 

Having actually put my hands on the piece myself and having inside my actual vehicle I can tell you it looks the same as OEM minus the missing SRS airbag text and IMHO looks better than screwing an OEM handle into a trim piece that wasn't molded for one in the first place.

 

Gotta admit, the reduced grip area is a slight pain. Hopefully your trim piece and handle work out great for you. Your combo might be the ultimate solution for the OCD crowd here if it looks perfect. Postup some pics when you get if all done. Especially notice these areas, as shown on the KTJO website.

 

I see what you are seeing. My trim is not 100% installed yet but that gap was easy to work with I think it is a matter of just paying attention during install. Since I do not have the lower bracket yet mine does not sit flush as there is nothing to push against the lower half to keep it from squeezing in when you tighten the top bolt. I will try to get detailed pics once my bracket shows up.

 

My install has a gap, but it’s more subtle than the one pictured above. I bet I could make it disappear by putting a tiny piece of foam tape behind the headliner where it joins the KTJO trim piece.

 

I also noticed that if you cut out a small piece of foam and stuff it under the lower handle cover that the cover will then sit more firmly and evenly.

 

I was thinking a bit of butyl or Command Strip.

 

I imagine the trim panel and grip handle were reverse engineered from the Toyota passenger side pieces, seeing as how Toyota doesn't offer a driver's side setup (although the oem PS side grip handle can be reversed). I notice that while the upper bolt cover fits pretty well, the lower one, not so much...I wonder if the oem handle and bolt covers will work with the KTJO trim panel...

 

My top handle bolt cover fits fine it is the lower one that acts a bit off but after some foam behind it it snaps in and looks normal. It just needs a little back pressure so that it doesn't sit loosely.

 

I have them both and compared them. The one that came with the KTJO kit doesn’t seem to be OEM. It’s slightly bigger.

 

Does the KTJO option utilize existing holes in the pillar or did you need to drill a hole?