Driver Assist Handle

2018deepocean · June 20, 2018

Following this I ordered mine from the dealer yesterday, I will let you know how it goes.

Dr Awesome · June 23, 2018

I'm still curious about the airbag... I just installed mine, and it has no tether and does seem to have anything that would guide it away. I'm wondering if part of the package at the dealer is disabling this airbag? Or maybe it truly is just a curtain bag that will pop out the seam without dislodging the pillar. I'm wondering if anyone else with the handle already installed from the factory has taken it off and looked?

As for the install, I did it today in about 15 minutes (I was being extra careful so I didn't scratch or damage anything). I also cut off the point on the center guide with a snips since it interfered with trying to line it up. I did twist the black tether to the side a bit to get the guide access to the hole that is behind it, seemed to work well.

I also noticed that the fit wasn't exactly perfect like the old one, there was a "gap" as referenced before, which isn't a gap exactly, it just isn't pressed very tight to the top. You would probably never notice, but I will know! I didn't need the handle, but it's all in the name of saving the side of my leather seat from getting all worn, so I'll consciously make sure to keep from sliding my butt over the edge.

2018deepocean · June 23, 2018

Installed mine today, there was a small gap on top portion it was late so I try to adjust and report back. Any tips on eliminating gap would be helpful. As for no tether I believe you wouldn't need it as you bolt this new one in and old one stays in with a clip only and could shoot off from airbag.

Dr Awesome · June 23, 2018

Well the question is will the airbag work or will it blow the new one up and shoot plastic shrapnel into my face!

18Midnight · October 27, 2018

After reading about how some people broke the new part or couldn't get it to line up with the headliner exactly I opted to pay the 20 bucks for the dealer to install it to make sure it was done right....or at least that was my hope haha. I also have the gap near the top. Like others have said it's not huge and the handle is still fully functional and looks ok, just not as tight as the passenger side near the top. Has anyone found a way to get it to sit correctly that had this gap issue?

Sierra706 · October 27, 2018

After reading about how some people broke the new part or couldn't get it to line up with the headliner exactly I opted to pay the 20 bucks for the dealer to install it to make sure it was done right....or at least that was my hope haha. I also have the gap near the top. Like others have said it's not huge and the handle is still fully functional and looks ok, just not as tight as the passenger side near the top. Has anyone found a way to get it to sit correctly that had this gap issue?

You could try a heat gun at your own risk

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Donstar · October 27, 2018

The reason you paid the dealer to install this was to make sure it was done correctly. Have them make it right. If their mechanics can't get it right, their body shop will be able to fix such cosmetic imperfections. It took me a couple of attempts but mine fit perfectly. Yours will too!

18Midnight · October 27, 2018

23 minutes ago, Donstar said:

The reason you paid the dealer to install this was to make sure it was done correctly. Have them make it right. If their mechanics can't get it right, their body shop will be able to fix such cosmetic imperfections. It took me a couple of attempts but mine fit perfectly. Yours will too!

It was still dark when I picked it up this morning so I didn't even notice until I got home. They also tore apart my dash to get rid of a squeak and part of the trim was not right so I did make them fix that and wasn't looking too close at the handle with that distraction. But I will let them know there is a gap and see if they can fix it at some point. Right now I'm just happy to have my truck back after 3 days

Enough · October 27, 2018

If it was me I'd pop the bolt covers off, loosen the bolts up a couple of turns, and try a little persuasion. Mine had a gap at the top when I first installed it but I was able to wiggle it around and pull up while tightening the bolts and now there is no gap. I'd try that before wasting half a day at the dealership waiting for them to do the same thing.

Even though these trucks are built by robots they are by no means perfect. The bolt mounting pads on the A-pillar may be just a tad off.

If need be you can enlarge the mounting holes in the driver assist handle to allow it to slide up that extra 1/16" of an inch.

18Midnight · October 27, 2018

2 minutes ago, Enough said:

If it was me I'd pop the bolt covers off, loosen the bolts up a couple of turns, and try a little persuasion. Mine had a gap at the top when I first installed it but I was able to wiggle it around and pull up while tightening the bolts and now there is no gap. I'd try that before wasting half a day at the dealership waiting for them to do the same thing.

Even though these trucks are built by robots they are by no means perfect. The bolt mounting pads on the A-pillar may be just a tad off.

If need be you can enlarge the mounting holes in the driver assist handle to allow it to slide up that extra 1/16" of an inch.

That's a good idea. I agree with not wasting more time at the dealership if not needed. It's really not a huge deal, but after all the time and money I've put into my truck trying to get it perfect it's hard to let little imperfections go haha. Heck I spent hours finding a black cover that would fit over the tailgate key hole and using a knife and sand paper to shape the back perfectly so I could fit it just right to complete the blacking out, so I'm pretty particular when it comes to my ride I guess

tbarn · October 27, 2018

Mine didn't fit so well on the first try. Removed the screws and manipulated it until it fit. Reinstalled the screws. You will love it if you ever have knee replacement.

18Midnight · October 27, 2018

1 minute ago, tbarn said:

Mine didn't fit so well on the first try. Removed the screws and manipulated it until it fit. Reinstalled the screws. You will love it if you ever have knee replacement.

Thanks for the info. I have had a dislocated knee and torn ligaments then 3 herniated disks in my lower back 3 or 4 years ago, so a little extra help between that and the side steps are helpful for my old broken body to get in and out too

tbarn · October 27, 2018

Actually I put it in because I witnessed the trucks coming into the shop were wearing heavily on the outer edge of the seat. Especially with leather ( mine has leather ). Use it to lift my fat a$$ a little on exit mainly. Assistance after knee replacement was a bonus.

18Midnight · October 28, 2018

1 hour ago, tbarn said:

Actually I put it in because I witnessed the trucks coming into the shop were wearing heavily on the outer edge of the seat. Especially with leather ( mine has leather ). Use it to lift my fat a$$ a little on exit mainly. Assistance after knee replacement was a bonus.

Yeah I've seen a lot of trucks with the worn outer edge over the years too and knew the handle helps prevent the slide out friction. With my lower back issues over the years I've also got a full seat sized memory foam seat cushion that should help save my seat some too. Can kinda see it in the attached picture.

Ravenkeeper · October 29, 2018

On 10/27/2018 at 7:23 AM, Donstar said:

The reason you paid the dealer to install this was to make sure it was done correctly. Have them make it right. If their mechanics can't get it right, their body shop will be able to fix such cosmetic imperfections. It took me a couple of attempts but mine fit perfectly. Yours will too!

If they even have a body shop. ALL of the dealers out here subcontract it out to different body shops & collision centers in the area, or they refer you to them.