[Hugh Heifer]

What years were the outer latches used on the tailgates of the pickups?

I am also curious if those are welded or bolted.

(I ask because I am searching for a complete set that I could use on my M416 tailgate. Thought that might look and be functional.)

[Hugh Heifer]

Well I went through the EPC last night and answered part of my own question.

The tail gate latches were used on the Hilux thru July of 1981 and they are originally bolted to the tailgate and the bed.

Part numbers are 66170-89105 for the latch 91651-40816 for the bolts.

But what about the hook on the body? It would appear that was bolted on thru July of '78 (Part numbers 66154-89102 and 66153-89102 L & R respectively.)

Can anyone check their pre '81 truck and let me know if they are bolted or welded?

[KLF]

I can't answer your questions directly, but for a point of information... I had a 1985 2WD pickup that had the latches on the tailgate that you speak of. Toyota referred to it as a "Two Touch" tailgate, and I believe only the stripped down trucks got them. I actually really liked the positive latch of the gate, no worries of it popping open. I also really liked the 2WD bed, it had the rails with the integrated tie-down hooks on the outside, very cool, but I don't think any of the 4WD trucks in this country got beds like that.

[WristPin]

here is mine. the hook deal on the bed is not welded from the outside. could be from the inside.
my tools are at work so i cant tale out the tail lite to see.

seems like it would be welded. you know cause it would seem unlikley for a bolt to be hiding in that far.

3 shots:

[Hugh Heifer]

Thanks for the pics, Wristy. Looks like the hook side won't work for what I had planned

[WristPin]

aww dang