New member and grab handle question

I use mine every time I get in. I’m only 5’6 so I grab the handle and step on by side bar. Makes it really easy for the wife and me.

 

Exactly, plus I grab it as I am driving down the road, looks cool........... or so I think.

 

I can’t believe I waited as long as I did to install the grab handle. I got the kit from Sparks and my only complaint is that the u-nut clip that they provided was pretty long. I did not like how it rubbed on the airbag so I ended up replacing with a shorter one that does not rub.

As for airbag functionality, I have seen seen trucks that had the handle added and the airbags did work properly.

 

Not trying to start a great debate, but I really doubt it would. That handle bolted firmly to the pillar has to impact how the bag inflates. And if you say the handle will just be blown off, well, it would be blown off right into your face.

And as to the above, understand the different positioning of the drivers side and passenger side airbags. I have to assume that each and every airbag in the vehicle is specifically designed for its location...meaning the passenger pillar air bag is different than the driver pillar air bag, and of course the one on the steering wheel is lower than the one coming out of the dash so they are likely different. I can see how the one coming out of the dash is likely a bigger bag that would not heed as much "help" from a bag mounted in the pillar. The more I think about it, I have to believe that Toyota is being truthful that the handle has been removed for safety reasons. And since the local dealer would not sell me a handle kit for my truck, obviously they are not looking to just "cash in" after the sale of the truck.

Now for me, the question is how much of an impact does installing the handle have? Probably not a lot, and it is probably no big deal unless it is your head smashing into a window or pillar..then it becomes a big deal in a hurry.

 

Did you a video of it deploying? Sure it deployed, but did it cover the areas it was designed to cover?

 

No video but my friend reported that the airbag deployed properly. Hew was totally protected and was unhurt. The grab handle uses the same upper bolt that the non-grab handle a-pillar cover uses and just replaces the lower clip with a new bolt. These are the same mount points as in the 2007-2013s that come with the handle. I highly doubt that Toyota would keep the a-pillar mount points the same and redesign how the airbag deployed.

 

Lol. You’re way overthinking this.

 

I suppose there are many of us that just don't live our lives in fear of 'what ifs' that aren't likely to happen.
There is no debate;
You don't feel comfortable with it, don't do it.
Others realize any risk they may, or may not, be taking and add the handle.

Although I don't use the handle every time I get in, I do at times grab on to it.
I'm the only one that drives my truck and I have the OEM piece I'll put back in if I trade or sell the truck.
The handle also gives a nice uniform look to the vehicle to have a grab handle on both sides of the dash.

Keep your eyes on the road and pay attention..

 

This was one of my first mods on my 21 CM, it definitely fit without any issues and is an awesome mod, I use it multiple times a day!

 

The handle was stock to begin with. I doubt it was removed for airbag safety

 

I thought a member posted something that had to do with crash test concerns. Really cant see any other reason. Either way, it couldnt have been THAT bad since they didnt do a recall to remove the ones out in the field. Maybe Toyota just being overly cautious.

 

I ordered mine recently from Sparks. One thing I'm confused about - does the kit from Sparks have the whole new trim piece? It's sold as a one-stop-shop solution. But there's definitely no holes/poke-outs on my existing A-pillar trim piece.

 

It has the A pillar trim piece (which you'll need to trim the tabs), the handle and the additional screw and U washer.

 

Same handle as on passenger side AND same handle and everything as in the Sequoia where the parts come from. You do not touch the airbag at all. Everything is in the same position there is just a handle there now too.
I use this handle to pull into the truck to avoid sliding across the seat. My 2010 I still have is on its second run of seat covers, worn from sliding across the seat. I have a step now on the 2021 so find I am using that also though that has taken getting used to.

 

Are you sayin there is no part of the airbag under that handle...between the two anchor points?

 

There is the airbag still under the pillar cover but the handle in no way seems to touch it. Took the same handles apart on my 2010 before I just installed it on the 2021 and they look identical. The pillar cover seems to be made of thte same material as the original; airbag was not touched or moved to install the replacement cover. I don't see how it can affect it negatively. The only added part is an extra bolt installed for the lower part of the handle. Upper bolt was already there for the new truck. The airbag is tucked into the left side of the cover same as factory made. Never even touched it for the install.

 

Tundradude34 did a full unboxing and install video for the Sparks Toyota kit. As you can see in the video it mounts above the airbag.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AbgTSvIjMXE

 

Did you disconnect the battery?

 

I did not. Never hurts to do so, however.

 

I also did not disconnect the battery but, I do a lot of dangerous/stupid things in life. I would recommend anyone else disconnect the battery. If the bag were to go off while you worked on it, with tools in your hands no less, it could be life ending or at least disfiguring.

 

I did not disconnect mine either. Just take your time if you don’t remove it.

 

Did not disconnect either. Was as simple as could be to install.