Handicapped..Is it possible?

I was hit with an IED in Iraq and have been dreaming of buying a new tundra. Unfortunately the shrapnel injury to my shoulder took the use of my right arm (primarily my thumb pointer and middle fingers)
Is there a way to modify or replace the shift knob so I can get and use my first real truck? I've been saving and eyeing the trd pro for over a year.

 

I am sure there is, I assume your are in Colorado?? Regardless I am absolutely positive that a top notch fabricator would be able to fix that problem. It would take some calling around and some phone time but it could be done I would think.
Thank you for your service and sorry to hear you took a hit. Best of luck to you!!
I hope it all works out for you.

 

Welcome from OKC! Thanks!!!! The shift knob will twist right off of the threaded rod and some sort of lever could easily be fabricated to replace it. Weight of material and possibly a counterweight to keep it balanced should be considered. Maybe even some sort of overhead suspension system to carry any loads to prevent snapping the shifter shaft connection.

 

Just wanted to say thank for your service

 

Call some machine shops that do fab work. Call before you buy. That will make you feel a lot better about it.

 

Thank you for your service and sacrifice. If I had a fab shop, I'd be working on a design for you free of charge.

Good luck, Sir.

 

Can you reach your and use your left hand to manipulate the controls? Would be free and get you going on that new truck dream. Thank you for your service and unfortunate sacrifice.

 

I don't know of a solution but just wanted to say thank for your service Sir

 

Yes but It would be awkward as all get out.

 

Maybe fabricate the shifter handle and shaft and have a pin going thru it to hold it in place?
Hope that made sense..
Thank you for your service..

 

The shift knob in the 3rd Gen has a pin that latches it to the rod. It’s not threaded anymore. It’s annoying to take off now, really have to give it some force haha

 

Contact your local VA hospital/clinic and ask about being assessed for an adaptive vehicle equipment grant. If medically necessary for you to drive, the VA will pay the complete cost to retrofit your vehicle so that you can drive with any service connected disability. It is a lengthy process that starts with your doctor determining your level of disability and need for driving adaptations, but it is well worth it. Vehicle adaptations are not cheap due to the insurance/liability concerns and certification process. I had the VA install an electronic left foot accelerator in my Tundra. The cost from the shop was like $2900. For your situation, I know there is a push button shifter setup that they can install.

Be patient in the process of course. If you cannot get any answers from anyone, I highly suggest using the AskVA feature on the VA homepage. Every question I've ever asked there got me an answer within 2-3 days. Oftentimes from the answer would come from the very people who ignored me when I contacted them directly.

 

Genius..but it'll take awhile I'm sure

 

It will take some time, but it will be worth it in the long run.

Or if you've got the financial resources, you can have the push button shifter installed and then request reimbursement through the VA. The only risk with that route is that you run a risk of the VA determining your disability isn't serious enough for a vehicle adaptation.

You'll probably have a good idea of approval after you see a doctor, because they will use your medical records and a physical exam to assess your limitations. Once they determine your limitations, they write a prescription for exactly what equipment is needed to accommodate safe driving. When you see that doc make sure you explain to him/her how difficult/painful it is to operate a normal shifter and show them the adaptive push button control that solves the problem. Not all the docs are familiar with the process for adapting vehicles.

From what you said about your condition I think it should be a slam dunk. Just do some googling for adaptive vehicle shifters or find a local adaptive vehicle outfitter near you to educate yourself. There are companies that specialize in all these adaptations from wheel chair lifts, shifters, pedal setups, automatic doors, etc. Most of them are experienced in dealing with the VA too.

Good luck bro

 

Toyota has a mobility program that offers assistance and cash towards adaptations. Look on the toyota site for mobility programs. Hope this helps and thank you for your service.

 

I've got a console shift in my 21 and a column shift in my 08.

I like the column shift better. I think a person could use their left arm/ hand to shift the column shift truck pretty easy.