Just another quick video showing how to replace the tailgate handle on a 2000-2006 Toyota Tundra. This is a 2004 Tundra DoubleCab model, but it is the same for most of the 1st generation Tundras.
Tools needed:
T-30 Torx bit
10mm socket wrench
small screwdriver (to pry out the lock cylinder retainer clip)

This is a common problem on the first generation Tundras. Sometimes the handle can break off completely and you won’t be able to open the tailgate until you remove the access panel on the inside. The handle on My 2004 Toyota Tundra was broken, but luckily it would still open the tailgate. There are 8 screws that hold the access panel in place. As I mentioned in the list of tools needed, you will need a T-30 torx bit to remove them. Once you remove the panel, you will be able to pull on the two metal rods to unlatch the tailgate at both ends. The plastic handle is held in place with two 10mm bolts. On my truck, the two bolts were loose because the metal inserts had broken free of the plastic housing. The metal pull rods are held in place with two plastic clips that are easy to remove without the use of tools. Just rotate the clip and pull out the metal pull rod.
The original tailgate handle has a key cylinder installed, and you just need to remove it and install it on the new handle. You can see how I did it in the video. Just a quick note though, I reused the retaining clip from the old handle because the new clip seemed too flimsy to hold the lock cylinder in place. The new clip on the new handle might have worked just fine, but I felt more comfortable changing it back to the original clip.

After installing the lock cylinder in the new tailgate handle, it is ready to go back in. The rubber gasket piece on the handle will clip the handle in place allowing you to install the two 10mm bolts. Just please DO NOT over-tighten these bolts or you will break the new handle you just bought. The next step is to clip in the metal pull rods and test the handle to verify that it works as it should. It’s a good idea to test the lock mechanism with the key as well.
As long as the tailgate handle releases the latches on both sides of the bed, you are ready to reinstall the access panel.

Here’s the link to the replacement handle I used in the video:

Click on the above picture to buy the Tailgate Handle on Carparts.com