Soft open lower tailgate for LC (1 Viewer)

[luke27617]

Please do a write up with picture on the install. I want to do the same on my 16LC. I am at a dealer and played it with one on the showroom. I really like the soft open. The 18 as well when you lift the gate it will close shut it automatically all the way. Automatic top hatch door is nice too but that would be a much more complex project.

 

[auggafj80]

I will post a write-up with pics. Just got the parts in the last few days, will try to work it in here shortly between the boring life / work stuff. The damper from Japan appears to be OEM, was a little concerned at $40 (plus $20 shipping) but has original Toyota packaging.

 

[Ali M]

TOYOTA DAMPER SUB-ASSY 6702860010 *GENUINE* | eBay

It appears he has “One” left. Funny. That’s what it said when i bought mine a few days before auggafj80 bought his.

just bought mine too. thanks for the link.

 

[luke27617]

just bought mine too. thanks for the link.

To install soft open, do you have to buy two or just one?

 

[teambell]

The LX only has one installed. What needs to be solved is:
1. The additional bolt that needs to drilled into the lower door for mounting the soft close spring
2. The hinge pin extension to fit into the soft close spring

As far as I know those are the needed fitment issues to be solved.

 

[Ali M]

To install soft open, do you have to buy two or just one?

I am only seeing one in the diagram. You will also need to get the bolt part # 91673A0622

 

[luke27617]

How do you connect damper to hinge? I see that there is a square hole in the dumper. The hinge has round finish on both sides so looks like it needs to be replaced as well.

 

[auggafj80]

The LX hinge comes with the extended pin in it. It fits into the damper no problem. As far as the mounting bolt for the damper I plan to drill a hole, but would need to access the inside to put a nut on it.

I accidently ordered two LX left hinges (and damper bolts) so if anyone want's one at a reduced price let me know.

 

[teambell]

The LX hinge comes with the extended pin in it. It fits into the damper no problem. As far as the mounting bolt for the damper I plan to drill a hole, but would need to access the inside to put a nut on it.

I accidently ordered two LX left hinges (and damper bolts) so if anyone want's one at a reduced price let me know.

I'll take it! PM me with the info, pls.

 

[luke27617]

Anyone who is installing this on LC, let me know how you solve the problem of hinge pin which goes into soft close spring mechanism. Looks like on LX that is already in place (per Auggaf80)

 

[NMNORSSE]

Anyone who is installing this on LC, let me know how you solve the problem of hinge pin which goes into soft close spring mechanism. Looks like on LX that is already in place (per Auggaf80)

Seems like you have to remove the LC hinge and install a LX hinge which has the necessary pin. Auggafj80 has 1 for sale...

 

[auggafj80]

Here are some pics of the parts and how they go together. Should be able to tackle this shortly. I did sell the other hinge.

 

[luke27617]

Here are some pics of the parts and how they go together. Should be able to tackle this shortly. I did sell the other hinge.
View attachment 1566757 View attachment 1566758 View attachment 1566760

Thanks for sharing pictures. I assume the part # for the hinge is 66120g

 

[auggafj80]

Anyone have experience in getting the inner trim panel off the tailgate? I'm scoping this project out and there are four 10mm bolts holding it down. Took them out and it is still held in place by I'm assuming plastic rivets. Tried getting in there but they are in there tight. Feels like I'm going to break the panel. Here is a pic of the part that I believe holding it down. Anyone know an easy way to pop those? (#3)

This all presumes that when I get the panel off I will be able to get a hand in there to put a nut on the bolt that holds the damper in place. Or if anyone can think of a better way to attach the damper?

 

[auggafj80]

Maybe just attach the damper with some metal to metal adhesive, save me some trouble.

 

[Oakleyguy]

First dibs on your parts if you nix the idea!

 

[Oakleyguy]

Anyone have experience in getting the inner trim panel off the tailgate? I'm scoping this project out and there are four 10mm bolts holding it down. Took them out and it is still held in place by I'm assuming plastic rivets. Tried getting in there but they are in there tight. Feels like I'm going to break the panel. Here is a pic of the part that I believe holding it down. Anyone know an easy way to pop those? (#3)
View attachment 1570247

This all presumes that when I get the panel off I will be able to get a hand in there to put a nut on the bolt that holds the damper in place. Or if anyone can think of a better way to attach the damper?

Use an interior panel popper to assist. Here is an example: https://www.amazon.com/Orange-Popper-Molding-Upholstery-Removal/dp/B00M484BAQ

 

[auggafj80]

Use an interior panel popper to assist. Here is an example: https://www.amazon.com/Orange-Popper-Molding-Upholstery-Removal/dp/B00M484BAQ

Thanks, will try that.

 

[stridertexas]

I have faith in you @auggafj80; )

 

[TonyP]

This all presumes that when I get the panel off I will be able to get a hand in there to put a nut on the bolt that holds the damper in place. Or if anyone can think of a better way to attach the damper?

Here's the FSM page. Looks like after the 4 fasteners, it's just the trim clips. Trim pullers might work. The OEM clips are very snug.

You'll probably be ok once that's removed. Here's a pic of the gate shell thieved from Jason's thread.