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How to Replace Tailgate Handle 1995-2004 Toyota Tacoma
Created on:
Tools used
Socket Extensions
Phillips Head Screwdriver
Rust Penetrant
Ratchet
1. Accessing the Tailgate Handle
Remove the eight Phillips head screws from the tailgate liner
Pull the liner off the tailgate
Remove the four Phillips screws from the tailgate plate
Pull off the tailgate plate
2. Removing the Tailgate Handle
Unclip the latch rods from the tailgate handle
Remove the two 10mm bolts from the tailgate handle
Pull the tailgate handle off
If the bolts remained in the tailgate, apply penetrating oil, and break them out with vise-grip pliers
3. Installing the New Tailgate Handle
Push the new tailgate handle into place
Insert the two 10mm bolts into the tailgate handle
Clip the latch rods into the handle
4. Reinstalling the Tailgate Plate and Liner
Apply penetrating oil to the back of the tailgate handle
Put the tailgate plate into place
Insert the four Phillips screws into the tailgate
Put the tailgate liner into place
Insert the eight Phillips screws into the tailgate liner
Brought to you by 1AAuto.com, your source for quality replacement parts and the best service on the Internet.
In this video we're going to show you how to replace the tailgate handle on this 2002 Tacoma. This handle fits many different years of Tacoma. The tools you'll need are a Phillips screwdriver and a 10mm socket with a ratchet and extension. We did have to use some vise grips to pull apart the fasteners because in our handle it was a little bit corroded and the nuts that are molded into the handle broke free.
We're going to replace the tailgate handle. First, you have to remove your rear panel here. This truck has the bed liner obviously, so we remove eight screws and then take that liner piece off the tailgate and then underneath the liner there are four more screws. Remove that and then we can remove the plate.
You want to disconnect these rods. They have little clips on them. You push the clip off, and pull the rod up and out. Push this clip off. Pull the rod out. There's two 10mm bolts. I'm going to speed it up here. I run into a problem. I try to loosen the bolts, and the nuts that are molded into the tailgate handle just start spinning. So, what I end up doing is just pulling down on the handle and just turning the bolts and pull the handle free from the truck. Herein lies the problem with these handles a lot. See that these actually stayed in behind. These were molded into the handle to hold the bolts. I'm going to spray them with a little penetrating oil. I'm going to take a pair of vise grip pliers and lock them on here as best I can. It looks like what we're going to have to do is end up breaking these bolts. In fact, that is what I do. I break one, and then, I put the vise grips onto the other nut that was supposed to be molded into the handle and break that bolt as well and then everything is cleared out to mount the new handle.
Here's your new handle from 1A Auto. I've got two M6 X 12 standard 1mm pitch. I put the handle up in, put it up high, in, and then slide it right down. I'll start the two bolts. Now I'm just using my socket and extension and tightening up those bolts by hand. Now use your ratchet and tighten them up nice and firm. Don't over-tighten them, though. Reconnect the latch rods. Now, I usually take this chance to spray a little penetrating oil, especially on the back sides of the handle. Make sure everything's working well.
I really speed it up here as I put that panel back on. Put the four screws in that hold it, and then, if you have the bed liner, put that panel back on and put the eight screws back in to hold it together.
We hope this video helps you out. Brought to you by www.1AAuto.com, your source for quality replacement parts and the best service on the Internet. Please feel free to call us toll-free, 888-844-3393. We're the company that's here for you on the Internet and in person.
DHA64729
In Stock
Product Reviews
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4.92/ 5.039
39 reviews
5 Stars
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1 Star
36
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Perfect
Mark
January 21, 2017
Perfect and easy to install. I was hoping that it would come with the two mounting screws but it turns out I was able to use the old ones.
rudolph
February 22, 2017
Part work perfectly and service was excellent thank you
Great Value
Wes
August 23, 2017
The replacement tail gate handle was a perfect match. It fits and works superbly. Not only that, it cost only a fraction of what a Toyota dealer sold it for. Shipping was prompt and quality is good. I recommend 1A Auto.
Perfect
J
October 3, 2017
Came sooner than I was expecting. Well made. Fit perfect. 1996 Toyota Tacoma 4x4.
Perfect fit
Edward
December 25, 2017
The handle slipped right in where the old one was. Removal of old handle, plus installation of new one took a total of 15 min. Seems to work as well as, or better than the old 2013 one.
R
March 9, 2018
Very happy with the part. Very reasonable price. Great free shipping. Will recommend to my friends.
Great service, price, ease of ordering
D
June 25, 2018
Have no complaints at all. Website must be almost idiot proof because both orders I've placed were easy to find my products, also easy to place order online with a very responsive confirmation email of order. Delivery time by usps was as promised. I will definitely go back to them as the need arises. And of course the products are as stated and working fine
I my 1A Auto rocks
David
July 25, 2019
I've been using 1A Auto for a while I never had any problems people are very friendly very efficient the orders get here in a considerable amount of time their honor the warranties I am very happy and satisfied and I recommend it to a many many friends thanks 1A Auto you rock
Great Experience
C
August 6, 2019
watched how to video on you tube. then bought the part from them. well done video and they had the part i needed at good price. I received it quick and installed it. Very Good Service
Good product
Terry
August 29, 2019
Product as described and fast delivery
Satisfied customer
Edwin
October 19, 2019
Product arrived in great condition and easily installed...fit my truck perfectly, would recommend to anyone needing a similar item...my online shopping experience with 1aauto.com has always been good, no complaints from me...
Tailgate handle replaced - no problem!
Raymond
April 27, 2020
My 1999 Tacoma has had door handles and tailgate handles replaced in the last few months. I used parts from 1A because they are higher quality than the ones available locally. Important because I am keeping this good old truck.
Tailgate handle was very easy to install, and appears to be just as sturdy as the door handles. 1A's prices are very competitive, and their service is the best of any parts suppliers I use either in person or online
Correct Part... East Fix
J
June 24, 2020
The website made it very easy to find the part I needed... a broken tailgate handle to a 1999 Toyota Tacoma. It was reasonably priced, came in a week and fit perfectly
Broken tailgate handle
Randy
August 8, 2020
Got my part free shipping the fit was great easy to install really pleased with the ease of ordering and courtesy from A1
Part for truck
K
August 24, 2020
Part went on easily and appeared to be good quality.
Toyota Tacoma tailgate handle
J
October 7, 2020
I purchased this for my 2002 Tacoma
It went right in and looked great
Would recommend this for a quality replacement part
1AAuto is a great place for parts
Comparison between OEM and Replacement
Peter
October 18, 2020
The replacement had the same fit and construction as the original which made it easy to install. Video provided some good pointers regarding installation and would recommend reviewing.
Tailgate Handle
T
December 11, 2020
This replacement was an exact fit and was easily installed. The bolts will have to be purchased separately.
Toyota Tacoma Tailgate Handle
Lianne
February 11, 2021
Good price, timely shipping, correct part received in great condition with all the pieces. You will use the old bolts (10mm socket) from the originial latch so if you need new ones, you must purchase those separately. It installed easily and fit perfectly. Looks and works great.
Just as discribed
Jeff
July 18, 2021
Just as discribed. Fit perfectly
95-05 Toyota Tacoma tail gate handle
JAIME
September 12, 2021
Great replacement. Easy Installation.95-04
Right Handle, Right Price
Michael
October 27, 2021
Looks great. fit perfect. Did the job
Well done!
Mark
December 13, 2021
The tailgate latch was high quality. Shipping was fast, and well packed, with no damage.
Tom
March 5, 2022
Aaaa
Toyota Tailgate handle install good deal!
marcia
March 25, 2022
received Toyota Tailgate handle quick and after watching video was an easy install!!
Great product
JUSTIN
May 5, 2022
Great product. Shipped fast
Frank
May 28, 2022
Perfect fit from here every time
Noe
November 7, 2022
Great site for parts
Gerald
November 10, 2022
Perfect fit
Farrell
December 18, 2022
Works well
Kayli
January 28, 2023
Great fit. No issues with install and works as well as new!
Exactly as advertised
Andrew
February 5, 2023
Awesome
Tailgate handle
Debra
April 7, 2023
It fit perfectly and after watching the installation video a breeze to install. I couldn't believe how easy it was.
Julian
August 22, 2023
works perfectly and hopefully will last a long time!
Great product
Bryan
February 13, 2024
Part fit perfectly. Almost identical to the original part
satifaction
larry
July 18, 2024
Part fits perfect and delivery was fast, will order again if i need anything else.
A great fit.
Brian
August 20, 2024
A perfect fit and working very well. Thank you very much.
Good
TIMOTHY
August 26, 2024
I have already "snared " my experience on this transaction
Happy with purchase
Lance
September 5, 2024
Tailgate handle fit properly and was easy to change. Very happy with my purchase.
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