Tacoma Tailgate Troubles: No Manual Lever?

Quez · 2025-11-07T02:55:08+00:00

Alright, figured I’d throw this up since I know I won’t be the only one that does this mod for the new 4GT Hybrids. For anyone not familiar, Goose Gear makes high-end storage and platform systems — bed plates, seat deletes, drawers, etc. Basically, it’s how you turn your Tacoma from a “nice truck” with minimal backseat room into a legit setup that actually works for real use, unless you’re like 5’3 & below and don’t need leg room. The build quality is top-notch. Everything’s laser-cut, tight tolerances, and bolts into factory points. The seat delete system is awesome if you’re trying to open up the rear cabin for gear or a dog platform (what I’ll be using it for.) On the 2025 TRD Pro, it’s a perfect match. The truck already gives you the suspension and capability, but Goose Gear takes care of the “living with it” side of minimal storage due to the hybrid battery, to fully usable organization, and daily use. It’s one of those mods that doesn’t jump out visually, but once you use it, you realize how much better life gets when everything has a place and doesn’t rattle around. It makes the Pro feel like it’s ready for serious trail miles or road trips, not just photo ops. READ HERE BEFORE YOU START INSTALLATION Now, as good as the gear is, I’ll be honest — the instructions need some help. They’re fine for getting you 80% of the way there, but a few steps are vague or assume you’ve done one before. If it’s your first Goose Gear install, don’t just follow the booklet word for word.Do this instead — it’ll make your life way easier: They got essentially every step right and I’d follow what they say up until you start removing the trim pieces. If you’re only installing the 60% delete, you don’t have to remove the single seat on the passenger side, but it would probably make installing the final bolt a little easier if you don’t have nimble hands. You don’t have to remove the plastic trim that wraps around the entire bottom of the passenger seats if you’re only doing the 60% delete. You can just remove it all the way up until the middle 3 holes are exposed. I’ll assume the same will go for the 40% as well, I just haven’t bought it yet. DON’T DRILL IN THE 3 HOLES THEY HAVE CIRCLED IN THEIR INSTRUCTIONS You only need to drill in the front 2 holes they have circled in red for the 60% delete. If you drill in that third hole that isn’t in-line with the other two, you will be pointlessly making the hole bigger for no reason. Ask me how I know. With where the T bar slides are on the plate, it doesn’t allow you to put a spacer there. They only provide two spacers anyways, so why would they have 3 circles highlighted? The 23/64 drill bit size they recommend isincorrect. Use a 27/64 drill bit and the drilled holes will then fit the riv-nuts perfectly. Again, ask me how I know what size is too big when installing. Honestly, Goose Gear nailed the engineering, but their instructions didn’t really evolve with the Hybrid models yet, their instructions showed a gas model for the installation which is where some of the variances may come from. Be sure to Just be intentional about where you drill and how hard you push as the wiring system is right underneath. One thing I’m not too fond of is that the battery is just exposed under the little cubby. With wet dogs or snow gear etc, I can already see water leaking down and creating an issue. I’m on the hunt now for a solution to protect that area. By no means am I bashing them or their product, I think it’s great & I’m pumped to have gotten it for a great deal as i found one for sale. I hope this helps someone out there! Here’s what it looks like installed:

TrdMarkey

Member

Jul 4, 2025

#1

It's neat having five ways to open your tailgate, but then you find out there's no manual lever, haha.

I'll try disconnecting the battery tomorrow; first oil change is due soon anyway. Still, it's a pretty silly issue.

Anyone else dealing with tailgate troubles? It's really bumming out my weekend vibes.

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