Here’s Why You Need Eye Bolts in Your Hatch For The 5th Gen 4Runner
It’s amazing what you can find on the plethora of 4Runner forums and message boards out there.
That said, I have to admit that I had absolutely no interest in joining any of them. Truth be told, I am a bit of a Luddite.
That all changed when about a week into owning my rig while driving home from work one fine day, I attempted to use my rear window washer and nothing happened. I pulled the truck over to the side of the road and twisted the tip of the windshield wiper lever again… nothing. I quickly launched into the usual theatrics: “always me… ALWAYS ME!” I shouted. “Of course I got the one truck on the lot with the defective rear windshield wiper.”
I was about to call my Mom to cry about it when I decided to give the Google machine a try first. My search returned a few results and I clicked the first one that said something along the lines of “help! My 4Runner’s rear wiper is broken.”
The very first answer to the original poster’s query suggested that he make sure the rear window was rolled all the way up.
Bingo. Apparently, the rear window thing is a pretty common mishap.
In any case, this led me to the 4Runner Forum which got me digging even more.
Eye Bolts For The Hatch From Rear Window Mishaps
On a later date, I was amazed to find out that someone else actually had another obscure problem like me.
This guy had tried to fashion a fishing rod mounting system along with the ceiling of his rig, only to run into the same pesky barrier I had when I attempted to DIY my own rod/ceiling system.
While you can attach a bungee cord or a length of rope to the grab handles above the front and rear doors for supporting some fishing rods, when you get to the back hatch area of the rig there are only the little coat hanger hooks – which are quite useless.
The angle these coat hangers are mounted on combined with the fact that they are open on the top – to allow for stuff like, you know, hanging coats – prohibits you from attaching anything with any level of horizontal pull whatsoever. Quite the conundrum, and amazingly another common problem shared with a fellow 4Runner owner out there.
That person who originally posted – received a bunch of replies with a few options.
Here are a few of those options.
The Two-Dollar ‘Eye Bolt Replacement Modification”
Indeed, there are entire threads dedicated to the various mods people have installed into their rear hatch coat hanger slots, from rifle/shotgun holders to 5/8″ D ring and 3/4″ clip swaps. All of this is to accommodate us with some additional ceiling cargo space.
None of the solutions I found on the forums suited my exact needs. I had just received a ceiling cargo net and I now needed something that would offer multidirectional support and connectivity points. Enter necessity – the mother of invention – and the simple, two dollar ‘eye bolt replacement modification’ for ceiling cargo space.
Why ceiling cargo space?
This net has a multitude of uses. You can find many of these DIY parts on Amazon or the company Raingler makes ceiling cargo space nets that quite plug and play. The downside of Raingler is the price. They are likely high quality but extremely expensive for what you can DIY.
There is also another well-known company that makes these attic storage systems; Blue Ridge Overland gear. You can see the overview that Trevor wrote on that ceiling storage attic here. Like Raingler – they are plug and play but far more affordable.
These nets are great for fleet work trucks, SUVs, cargo vans, off-road, overland, and general gear storage use. These ceiling nets, barrier nets, and cargo area nets can be accessorized with grab handles, dog accessories, tie-downs, and much more. The options for customizing something in your ceiling cargo space are endless.
Once you swap out those coat hangers for eye bolts you will have turned a fairly useless piece of plastic into a versatile tie-down point for anything you want, especially a cargo net.
I have a bungee stretched from one to the other to hold up one end of my fishing rods. I also hang a lantern from the bungee when truck camping, and hang socks or gloves to dry when needed.
4Runner Ceiling/Attic Cargo Nets
- Eye Bolts & Rings
- Option 1: Zinc Plated Eye Bolt with Hex Nuts (1/2″ x 2-4″): Check Price
- Option 2: 5/8″ D ring and 3/4″ Clip
- Option 3: Cargo Tie-Down Anchors
- Storage Nets
- Cinch Straps
- Extra
- Tools:
- 10mm Socket or Wrench
- Knife (optional)
All these materials can be found in the fasteners’ aisle at Home Depot, Lowes or Online. There is also a cool little YouTube video of a guy rigging one up for super cheap.
You can set this up any way you want but the idea is to mount it one of two main ways.
- Use the rear coat hooks + the rear seat grab handles
- Use the rear coat hooks + the C-Pilar mount points.
We are going to show you the rear cargo hooks. You can decide for yourself whether you want to mount the net to the rear seat grab handles or use the rear coat hooks + the C-Pilar mount points.
Step 1. Remove OEM Coat Hangers
The first step for this install is to remove the existing coat hangers using a 10mm socket or wrench. I had to open the little plastic door that hinges on the bottom of the hanger in order to get to the bolt.
Step 2. Cut Cover Completely Off Hanger
Once I removed the coat hangers from the door, I used a blade to cut the door completely off of the hanger. The OEM hangers can be purchased online if I ever need to replace them.
Step 3. Secure Nut Onto Eye Bolt & Reinstall Coat Hanger
I then screwed a nut about one inch onto the eye bolt threads. Then I simply put the OEM coat hanger back in place and screwed the eye bolt into the original factory hole. I turned it for about an inch and then tightened the nut down over the OEM hanger to keep it in its original place on the wall.
I chose to keep the eyebolt turned to three and nine O`clock, but it can be tightened down to any angle that works for your needs.
Step 4. Attach Large Carabiner & Cargo Net Clip To Tie-Downs (Optional)
Once the new tie-downs were installed, I used them for the ‘rod mod,’ to attach a large carabiner clip that holds my finger tape for surfcasting, to attach my ceiling cargo net, and to satiate my weird obsession with having a bunch of additional carabiners on hand for no particular reason at all.
Note: Be sure to look for eye bolts and not eye hooks. The hooks have a point and a coarse thread and are designed for tapping into walls and such. The bolts have a flat end and fine threads and are designed to use with any nuts that may be needed.
Final Thoughts
This is just a super useful swap-out for anyone who enjoys the utilitarian aspects of owning a 4Runner.
You could take my word for it, or you could check out similar mods shared on the forums and open your mind to the possibilities.
What is the thread pitch? That would more useful than all the emotional baggage you ooze about your childhood. lol
Much Appreciated Andy! Mine are on their way! –
I bought the eye bolts in the amazon link above and they were way too large. Can you check the size? There’s no way that large of a bolt could fit into the hole that’s there Unless you drill a larger hole. . I had to return. 2016 sr5
https://www.amazon.com/Eowpower-Thread-Machinery-Shoulder-Lifting/dp/B01NALR05R/ref=mp_s_
I wish I knew about these beforehand. The design and finish are ideal. Hope this helps.
This is a great mod, thank you! The threads on that amazon link were too short for me. I ordered these and they fit perfectly https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07NJ17LGG/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_tai_ine6Eb4A38GDN
Very cool. Glad you could use it. And thanks for the additional info.
I just got these – thank you – I wish the thread was a little longer but I think this is good. I actually counter sunk the plastic on the factory coat hanger for a little more thread purchase.
Can you tell me a bit more about how you counter sunk the plastic? I want to reattach the hangers but the m6 eye bolts are too short.
See my reply above.
The bolts I used were long enough that I was able to screw a nut all the way up to the eye loop, then after tightening the eye bolt snug I just reverse screwed the nut back down to the plastic hangers. So the nuts are holding the OEM plastic hangers in place. Hope that helps.
I’ll try that. Thanks.
Awesome! I can’t remember how I lived without them.
have you found any spots on the interior that take them?
Can you elaborate? I’m not sure what you mean…
Hi there. I am just thinking beyond the clothes hooks. Just below that point, below window, there is a plug covering a screw. I am not sure what that is but perhaps it could take one of these M6 Eye Hooks. There is also a plastic hook on the back corner of the trunk (likely for a cargo net). I am wondering if that could a place for one of the eye hooks.
Basically – I love this mode – wondering if there are any other places in the 4runner that can take a M6!
I think that would work. Great idea as there are never too many anchor points in a rig. I recently installed molle panels that utilize the exact points you mentioned, but if I didn’t have them installed I would for sure use your idea.
Nice – is that area under the window just an interior panel securing point?
Bobby my friend… Your guess is as good as mine. For me, it’s there to hold my molles on. Lol.
If I recall correctly I just drilled out the plastic on the hanger a little bit…to the width of the base of the eyelet. I just wanted to engage a few more screws. I love this mod, I use it to hang wet clothing after surfing. With 2 bungees across the back you can hang your clothing, and “pin” it down with the second bungee. With the back window open things dry fast, without getting sucked out!
Good idea. So I have a bungee across them as well. When sleeping in the back of the rig I hang my lantern on it. For drying my waders and towels, etc. I actually used some good 3m backed hooks and stuck them on the top of the back door, inside, right where the window meets the door. When the door is closed they are parallel, and useless. When the door is opened they are perfectly positioned to hang stuff on. But your way you can actually drive away. Good stuff.
Thanks Andy. I appreciate it.
Bolt thread size is M6 iirc
Sorry for any confusion. I actually tapped mine out with a wider thread before learning about the actual size.
Not sure if you checked the threads but mine are 6mm which makes it a bit awkward to find an eye bolt at that exact size here in the lower 48…
Same here ! Makes it really hard
Sorry guys. As posted below actual size is M6 iirc. There are many varieties available online. Actually nicer than the ones I installed. Finished loops and all that jazz. Apologize for the delayed answer as well.
Yes. Untapped mine out with a wider thread after trying every size I could find. Then found out later they are M6.
Great writeup. I did something similar with the part no 58460-35012 Toyota striker assy, luggage from totyotapartsdeal.com. You can find them on eBay or pretty much any Toyota website. Just search “5846035012 Genuine Toyota STRIKER ASSY, LUGGAGE HOLD BELT 58460-35012”. I love my new d rings and use them all the time to hang lamps, garbage bags, etc.
Awesome!
Cool! Thanks for the info. I had recently been thinking about ways to give more options for securing items in the cargo area. Curious if you came across any info related to how much weight this could hold.
Sorry for the delay. Crazy times man. I don’t have any specs on the weight. I have pulled pretty hard to get a feel for it and they are solid . I know there are some guys who hang shotguns and rifles from them. Those mods are in the forums. Good luck. Glad to help.
Andy. Do you know if these bolts need to be JIS? Are the OEM ones for sure M6? I need to replace mine with longer ones but dont want to damage the panel with the wrong size. When you say IIRC is that questionable? Just want to do this perfectly! Thank you for the article.
I just bought this 4-piece stainless steel eye bolt kit from Amazon and fit perfectly without any hassle. I did not put any force. it just goes it smoothly. Try this. I already swap all my coat hanger and cargo net hook.
Between, I’m driving 2021 4runner Venture
I only know that the M6 fit according to the other people on this thread that have done the mod. I’m just a gorilla who originally used bigger thread and tapped my panels out wider. Only after the interaction within this thread did I learn about the other options. But M6 seems to be the general consensus here .