Tailgate latch lock OEM or aftermarket

Greetings all,

while cleaning the tailgate latch locks, I noticed that the left-hand one has a crack in the casing, so I intend to replace it.

The questions is whether to buy OEM or one of the e-bay offerings for about 60% of the cost. Any opinion would be appreciated.

Kindest regards,

M

 

Do you have a picture of exactly what part you’re talking about?

If it’s the part I’m thinking of I’d possibly consider non-OEM.

 

Hi @JasonC,

this is a picture:



Kindest regards,

M

 

You're giving us mission impossible here because you haven't bothered to update your profile's "Vehicle One-Line Description" to include your year, cab type, bed type (if stepside), V8 or V6, 2WD or 4WD ...

Parts diagrams for our trucks vary pretty widely depending on those. I can also tell you, Toyota only sells the left and right tailgate latch as a latch+rod+clip. If I look up my truck, 2006 AC V8/4WD with standard bedside, left-hand side on discount right now for that assembly is a bit over $70. There's a sale coming soon that will probably drop that closer to $55-60.

How much is the aftermarket part?

I'm not sure I'd replace it unless it's ill-functioning. But that's just me

 

Hi @Shifty,

thank you for your reply.

When I signed up, I did not see any vehicle information to provide.

The aftermarket parts are between $40-$52, so if it goes on sale as you suggested, there would be no question, which one to get.

I will go look for the vehicle information form.

Kindest regards,

M

 

Go here.

Scroll to the "Vehicle One-Line Description"

Put your:

• Year: 2000-2006 (or up to 2007 if Sequoia)
• Cab type: Either RC, AC, DC (for regular, access, or double)
• Engine: V6 or V8
• Drive: 2WD or 4WD
• Trim: SR5, Limited
• Other: If V6 and manual, that would be helpful to know. If stepside, also helpful to know, or if you have a Sequoia vs. Tundra (since both use the 1st gen forum), that's also helpful to know. Don't bother including "Toyota" and you can skip "Tundra", honestly, the other details will confirm that. We don't need to know color or other minor details.

Example: 2004 AC V8/4WD Limited stepside​

Then click the "SAVE" button to lock it in.

Just having those first 5 tidbits will help everyone on here give you very truck-specific advice. Unfortunately, a lot of wiring, parts, options vary based on those things, so we can give you really bad advice that may cost you $$. Nobody here wants that.

 

Hi @shifty,

thank you for your help. Description added.

Kindest regards,

M

 

Awesome, thanks. "Left" is driver side, and I see an L stamped in the part.

Here's your driver side part number, ignore the MSRP price there! Note the "shop this dealer" buttons on the right (if none exist, input your zip code).

Check each dealer in the list and see what their price is (it will be unique to using this website). One of my three local dealers has it at $70, you get authentic part, new clips, and the latch rod. During labor day sales, I expect the part to drop no less than 15% below what you see here.

​

 

Hi @Shifty,

I think that you are confused by thanking me, it is I who owe you for all the help; obviously, I have a lot to learn. My document with references is getting larger and larger.

The web-site worked as you indicated, and yes, about two of the dealers in the vicinity of my ZIP code have the part for about %70, the rest are ar MSRP.

Kindest regards,

M

 

I had this same problem......went with Toyota OEM from Ourisman Toyota of Richmond.

I broke my 2005 GMC Canyon's tailgate handle by trying to force it open against the resistance of the frozen-on bed cover.

The Amazon replacement I bought went in fine and worked.....for about 30 days. The plastic clips lost tension and it stopped working.

I then bought an OEM replacement which is going strong 2 years later.

OEM for the win.

There are threads here about a handle with a built-in back up camera. You might want one of those.

 

Don't toss the old rod! I know there are folks on here who'd love to have it. Toyota doesn't sell them separately, and for example, some members like @mefisto are dying to get their hands on some replacement rods. He may buy it off you directly, even though it's only one rod, it gets him halfway to success. Could help you recoup a few bucks off your purchase also.

 

Hi @Bought2Pull,

thank you for your reply. However, I believe that we are referring to different items: I have a broken left-hand tailgate latch lock, not the central handle latch.

Kindest regards,

M

 

Do you have a local wrecker yard? a latch like that would be $10 around here at the pick n pull

 

M, I am sorry, I misunderstood.

 

Hi @Bought2Pull,

no worries, I appreciate you trying to help.

Kindest regards,

M