Tailgate handle

I’ve broken two already; does anyone know of a metal handle?
If metal not available, which one is most robust?
Thanks

 

I don't think a metal one exist. I ordered my replacement one off Amazon. It's was something like $30. I haven't broken it yet, but I'm also not using it every single day.

 

Personally feel the OEM is robust enough for most folks BUT one needs to keep everything on these old jalopies greased. In this case, clean the lock/latch mechanisms and spray some white lithium grease regardless of which one is chosen.

 

I bought this one off Amazon for $17 because it was 4.8/5 stars with 80+ reviews...I bought it to install a backup camera in, so I have not actually installed it yet, but it feels pretty sturdy.

$18 Gledewen Tailgate Handle Liftgate Latch Handle with Keyhole | for 2000-2006 Toyota Tundra | Replaces# 69090-0C010 69090-0C030-C0

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07Q1L53RD/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

I have this one also. Seems to work fine but I agree with Bubba that occasional lubrication would likely help.

 

This is especially true if you spend any time on dusty roads.

 

Bought a Dorman about 5 years ago as a fix. Its been holding very well. I lubed all the gate slides and gate latches while in there.

 

Having a Limited I ordered mine from Toyota as the handle is color matched. If not for that I would have went with a Dorman as well...

 

I bought the Amazon cheapy too and did the camera mod while I was at it. Seems to be just as good as the one I took off.

 

What is the failure point on these? Something internal or is the plastic handle flimsy and prone to snapping off? I have no issues with mine but curious what you guys are experiencing?

 

The frame is what cracked on mine. Handle/latch was still operational though.

 

Handle breaks in half so there is nothing to grip when trying to open.

 

Is there a link to this mod and/or which camera you used?

 

I used this camera:
[Downside Mounting] COOLINT...

[Downside Mounting] COOLINT® CAM1072D Mini Style Ultra HD CCD Car Backup Camera Multifunction Switchers Built-in Solid Metal Housing Design-Black

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B016I91IK2?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

This particular one is downward facing and provides the correct image orientation on your screen when mounted in the handle.

There was a post I saw here or over on TS forums(can't remember) where someone had done this mod.

I drilled a hole just large enough to fit the connector through. You can then route the wire down and out the bottom of the tailgate.

 

I too bought this camera; reviews tomorrow I hope...

 

Pretty sure I used the same camera on mine. It's been good so far. I think I'm probably going on 9-10 months on this mod. My only gripe is that sometimes rain or water collects on it, but that's with every backup camera I've used. Just wipe it off before you start driving and it should be fine.

As to Willy... Dad?

 

Copy. Thanks for the info

 

I forgot to reply when I saw this. Mine did what 3.4tundra's did. Frame cracked but the handle still worked.

 

Looking to buy the cheap Amazon one for my truck. Is it easy to pull the key socket out of my old one and install it on the new Amazon one?

 

I wouldn't buy the cheap scAmazon one, personally. What @bmf4069 is showing is Dorman brand, i see their winged V logo on the part. You can buy one on RockAuto, and get bonafide legit products, not a knockoff. Dorman generally tends to passable good stuff, but it'll still probably be plastic. However, if your existing handle is broken, it's probably because you need to maintenance the handle and latches.

That said ... key cylinder is held in by this silver tension lip I'm highlighting with an arrow, top-right. Notice that little black stub/post about a finger distance left of my arrow here? Be VERY CAREFUL to heed the position of that lever, and ensure (A) your tailgate handle is unlocked when you remove it, (B) the donor key barrels is unlocked when you install it, and (C) that arm+nub remains in the same position before/after install. If you find the gate isn't latching properly, or the lock doesn't work after, the configuration of that armature is your problem. Don't make me dig up the handful of threads of people bitching about the handle/lock not working after install.

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Anyone know where to get the metal rods that go between the latches and the handle? I can only find complete latches that are like $175 ea. I was just going to use steel cable but I want to do it right if it’s an option.

 

Judging by the EPC diagrams for a DC / UCK41L chassis it looks like it's sold as a unit with the latch. They don't normally go bad, and don't normally need replacement. If you needed to replace for some reason, you'd be best to hit a junkyard and pull from the shell of a damaged tailgate (everyone knows a whole tailgate would be long gone).

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Damn I was hoping that wasn’t the answer. Steel cable it is. Thanks man!

 

Yeah, I wouldn't trust a braided steel cable. Last thing you want is that thing to give up the ghost, then you're really fucked. What's wrong with the originals?

 

Ps - for '04-'06 DC, here are you left/right part numbers for the assembly. They run around $157 for the pair from Manhattan Beach Toyota (see their fleaBay account, they're actually legit). You should be able to get a single latch and bar for around $75-90?

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None came with the truck. I have to push the latches up one at a time and hold tension on the tailgate to keep them from relatching so at this point cables would be a huge upgrade.

 

Nimitz_.....I saw in the daily thread how you'd gone forward with the steel cables. If it's stupid but it works.....

Dave in Texas,

I broke my 2005 GMC Canyon's tailgate handle by forcing it when the cover was down and frozen. An Amazon replacement broke at the plastic rod clips after about 30 days of normal use. Thus, Amazon cheapos do, in fact, suck. I went OEM and that's held out for over a year so far.

Here is the tailgate latch I bought for the Tundra.

Genuine Toyota Tailgate Handle part# 69090-0C010 for 2000-2006 Toyota Tundra | Ourisman Toyota Parts| Official Toyota Online Store

OEM and is working just fine.

Getting the old lock out was the hardest. I ended up gripping the original tailgate latch in a bench vise to get that spring out.

My original broke at the two bolt points and was broken when I bought the truck last summer. It was very loose and was held in by the rods themselves!

The lock engages either way (lock and unlock) at less than 90 degrees throw but so do the front doors for that matter.

 

5.5yr old thread; got email notification.
Yes I'm still alive, yes I still have the 22 yo truck.
But I barely remember changing the tailgate handle lol.

 

But you did change it? We'll need photographs or a signed affidavit attesting to this repair.

Glad you are still with us, still have the truck, and have a new tailgate handle.

 

I’ll do my best!
I don’t remember, but the computer does.
I checked past Amazon orders and there it it.
It’s still in use, but the truck is used as a spare now so the handle gets little use.