Have you fabricated latch rods to save from having to buy the OEM parts?

Have you fabricated latch rods to save from having to buy the OEM parts?

Thanks to a forum member, I found a genuine Toyota parts seller that has the best price I could find for the left and right latches/latch rods (over $50 each).

But I was thinking if I could save money by buying some inexpensive metal rod at Lowe's or The Home Depot, to cut/bend until it fits. Wonder if 3/16 of an inch width is what Toyota used? I will try to see if I can measure one of the holes the rod goes in on the tailgate handle mechanism. to find the width.

 

I'm a lifelong knifemaker and know metals well. I like the idea of fabricating these rods from inexpensive metal but you might be disappointed with the results. I'm not sure what type of metal Yota used for the OE rods but I'd bet it's not of the cheap variety... most likely hardened high-carbon steel (the Japanese are well known for quality steel, at least in the knife world). The rods endure a LOT of stress. Iffn it were me, I'd first try to source used OE ones from fleabay or a parts yard. If that didn't pan out I'd shell out the $125 or whatever and buy OE. You'll also need the plastic clips that secure the rods to the latch mechanisms. Those can be had from NAPA on the cheap.

 

@Glock 40 Thanks. I was kind of thinking some regular metal rods might not hold shape. My girlfriend and I are fans of the History Channel show Forged in Fire, so we have learned some things about blacksmithing/knifemaking, on a side note.

I will have to search for those latch rods. A local yard showed that they had them, but when they checked, they found out it was an Access Cab tailgate parts...ugh! Wish Toyota had made more of the parts to fit different trim levels.

 

Not the same rods or part numbers? I wasn't aware that Yota used a different tailgate for the AC than the regular cab.

 

Suggest you consider adding your vehicle description to your personal details(yr/model/trim). Others could then assist in a search for the proper part !

https://www.tundras.com/account/personal-details

 

True dat.

 

@Glock 40 I have the Double Cab

 

Roger that. Thank you for adding your info. Same question though... is the DC tailgate any different than the AC tailgate? I'd think they would share the same internal tailgate parts regardless the cab or trim pkg.

 

@Glock 40 I will have to check to see if the salvage yard guy was wrong.

 

Search an online dealership for parts.... this is the one that PHM recommends: https://parts.conicellitoyotaofcons...a-0c98-4be0-87c1-3337f616d145|toyota|T3|false
Should be able to pull up an exploded view of the tailgate and its hardware there.
Do it for AC and then DC version. Cross-reference the part numbers. Then you will know.

 

I tried to search for the rods there but couldn't find them. When I entered your vehicle info the system didn't even ask if it's DC or AC. I'd wager the tailgates are the same as long as they're the same year.

 

Double Cab parts are strictly for double cabs. I can’t speak for latch rods but definitely for body parts

I had to get a new tailgate for my 06 ,directly from Toyota. No aftermarket support and not compatible with other cab models

 

I'm interested to hear what happened to your latch rods

 

@KNABORES I bought the truck from an insurance auction, and noticed the latch rods, the taigate gap cover/service hole were missing, and tailgate handle was broke off or missing. I don't know what happened while the previous owner had it (did they part them out, get stolen?). I do hate when people mess with things on vehicles, like when they mess with the wiring in an engine bay, and it looks all crappy.

 

@SouthWestGA I did a search for both DC and AC on toyotapartsdeal.com, and that website is showing that they are not compatible with the Access Cab. Thanks for the info.

 

You gonna get the new ones then?

 

I didnt fabricate the rods, but i fabricated some of the clips for the titan. Regular drawn wire would need to be shaped, then hardened at the bends. I also thought about all thread, but i just took the tailgates inner door off and twist the watts linkage. I could anneal, bend, grind, and heat treat the hooks (using hooks instead of clips) but the forces involved strained the handle past a screw and epoxy.

 

@Glock 40 Yes, I think I might have to buy the new latch rods, glad someone on this forum gave me the name of an online seller, that sells them for almost $20 less than feebay.

I was thinking if I could find some durable plexiglass (or some thin sheet metal) to make a tailgate gap cover/service hole cover for the tailgate, because I have seen the OEM ones selling on feebay, and Toyota dealers online for over $100.

I should check car-part.com, but I already know its not on the drop down menu, so I would have to call to see if anyone has one at a reasonable price.