Well I got a few actuators in the mail this weekend so I started working on 2 projects. 1st was the simple add a actuaor to unlock and lock the tailgate when you unlock all the doors, there is a DIY on this board already so I wont go into much detail on this just a few pictures of the actuator and the way I mounted mine. This was simple except the need for atleast a 1" throw on the actuator. Good news if I found a good model number to search for, Search for "524N" on
ebay or other at a local auto alrm install shop, this is considered a slim extra heavy duty unit but it does have a 1" throw so it works just right. I got a unit for around $15.00 shipped.
The second project I am working on is being able to automaticly open the rear tailgate with the the stock keyless entry fob after you unlock. Since the tailgate has the shock thingy to help lower the tailgate slowly this looks cool or did when I ran it throw a quick test after mounting 2 more actuators for this. I cost for this project so far is around $10.00 shipped or so for the 2 actuators. I had the other parts (electronic module, and relay) I needed already from other projects I have done on my car a while back. If you need these you can probably get them for around another $20 - $30 bucks.
Sorry I dont have completed pictures yet since it got dark before I was able to run the needed wires to the tailgate from the cab this afternoon. I did have time to locate and pre-tested the wires I need at the passengers door sill. I wil get more pictures as I complete this project and make a small video of the tailgate opening automaticly when I get things further along, maybe next weekend if not sooner.
524N actuator:
Mounted to bracket I bent to shape:
Mounted in location in the tailgate:
The standard actuators for opening the tailgate (one for each side):
Close up on one side mounted:
Both units mounted:
Wire I found that I will be using:
I am still debating on doing a right up on the second project since I don't know how popular or much demand for some thing like this. I would just hate to waste to much time if there are not enough people that would like to see it. To me its pretty simple and strait forward but I know other like having a it on paper.
So let me know what you guys and gals think........
** Updated ** 11/28/07
Okay for simplcity some folks have had problems getting the files attached due to file size limits from there internet email provider. So I decided to toss up a quick web page with the file and a few other files I have collected along the way and doing other research so I thought I would share.
Let me know if anyone still has problems getting the file, sorry the speed may be a little slow its on my home server since I don't think there will be that much demand for the files....
WebSite: Tundra.Zapto.org