2005 Toyota 4Runner Install

[PB78]

Well I finally had time to install my Yaesu FT-7800R in my 4Runner. It took quite a few hours to get everything installed. Running the power was the easiest. I found a rubber plug on the driver side firewall. I simply cut the rubber nipple off the black plug, and was easily able to run the positive and negative cables to the battery.

I ended up installing the main unit next to the front passenger door. I wanted it hidden, but was really limited on where to mount it. I had to take the front cubby hole door off, to mount the speaker. I mounted the faceplate onto the center console, with two small screws and 3M sticky tape. The hand mic is held on by some 3M sticky tape. I really didn't want to drill holes into the dash, so the tape will have to do for now.

The antennas were permanent mounted with two 3/4 inch NMO mounts. I used the Antennex hole saw to make the holes. Running the coax to the front of the vehicle was a bit tough, but I managed to get it. The small antenna is an Antennex Phantom, for my BCD396T scanner. The other antenna is a Comet.

In order to drill the holes in the roof, I had to take off the left rear side panel. This allowed me to pull the headliner down a bit to make sure I wasn't drilling into any roof supports.

 

[Stephen]

Hey looks like a great install, I like you went with the NMO instead of a mag mount with cables running all over the place like I have seen in some instances. I have a similar radio the 8800 installed in my vehicle. Good Job...

 

[geoff5093]

Looks great!

 

[NoRide]

I'd have a problem cutting into that sweet 4Runner but it does look nice.

 

[PB78]

Yeah, thats why it took me 8 months of, "do I or don't I." The only way to enjoy my mobile was to install it, so I did.

The good news about an SUV is that the holes are on the roof, which is out of sight. When I go to sell the vehicle, I doubt people will contemplate buying it based on two antenna holes in the roof. I NEVER had problems with potential buyers of my vehicles, based on holes in the body.

4Runners sell very well. I had to search high and low just to find this one, so I am not too worried.

Also, people need to get over the fear of drilling one hole in their vehicle (or two). I am by no means an expert at installing radios (but I love doing it). I think many people believe they don't have the know-how, or ability to do it. I personally enjoy working on my vehicle, and installing things how I want them installed. If you take your vehicle to a radio dealer, they will not treat it as their own. I made that mistake once having a stereo and speakers installed in my Caprice. The installer ended up breaking a ton of christmas tree bolts, which I had to replace myself anyway.

If I can do things myself, I will avoid installers at all costs!

I have always had frustrations installing radios. Things can't go where I want them, or I need an extra part, or I break a clip, or the tool I have is the wrong size, etc. Thats all part of learning, and becoming better at installing. The key is patience and research before you start.

 

[derekjmu]

super clean, professional looking install and insightful comments on installations! thanks for sharing!

 

[hoser147]

You did a nice Job A+.................Hoser

 

[N467RX]

Yeah, thats why it took me 8 months of, "do I or don't I." The only way to enjoy my mobile was to install it, so I did.

The good news about an SUV is that the holes are on the roof, which is out of sight. When I go to sell the vehicle, I doubt people will contemplate buying it based on two antenna holes in the roof. I NEVER had problems with potential buyers of my vehicles, based on holes in the body.

4Runners sell very well. I had to search high and low just to find this one, so I am not too worried.

Also, people need to get over the fear of drilling one hole in their vehicle (or two). I am by no means an expert at installing radios (but I love doing it). I think many people believe they don't have the know-how, or ability to do it. I personally enjoy working on my vehicle, and installing things how I want them installed. If you take your vehicle to a radio dealer, they will not treat it as their own. I made that mistake once having a stereo and speakers installed in my Caprice. The installer ended up breaking a ton of christmas tree bolts, which I had to replace myself anyway.

If I can do things myself, I will avoid installers at all costs!

I have always had frustrations installing radios. Things can't go where I want them, or I need an extra part, or I break a clip, or the tool I have is the wrong size, etc. Thats all part of learning, and becoming better at installing. The key is patience and research before you start.

How big are the "two little holes"?

 

[oZscan]

Hey , I've got the same floormats, so yeah nice Install.

How will that mike bracket go with 3m tape ?

 

[Dubbin]

Looks good!!! Is that really the best place you could find to hide the main unit? One would think that you could have found a more out of the way place like under a seat or somewhere in the back.

 

[SCPD]

I have been waiting to see a 4-Runner installation, Tricky vehicle to Install in. I have a 1998 Toyota 4-Runner I installed in. as soon as I can wash it, I'll photograph it and Post. I too went with NMO roof mounts. I tried NMO gutter mounts but that affected the door seal and got wet under both seats. Pulling the headliner down on a 4-Runner is no easy trick either. But the biggest hurdle to overcome was where to mount 3 full size radio's, 2 Mic's and the External speakers. I am still arguing with the vehicle on the speakers.

Very Nice install WMU989, clean & Sensible. Good job!

 

[eorange]

Same here - I have the 2005 Sport Edition and was wondering if I'd ever see a T4R install. Nice job for sure.

 

[W8TUZ]

Nice install

Very clean, I wish I would have seen this before I did mine. Nicely done!

 

[PB78]

The two holes are 3/4 inch.

 

[PB78]

Looks good!!! Is that really the best place you could find to hide the main unit? One would think that you could have found a more out of the way place like under a seat or somewhere in the back.

I tried mounting the main unit under the seat and it wouldn't fit. I even had the front passanger seat removed, and still couldn't get it in.

I thought about putting it in the back, but it would have been in the way if I wanted to haul something.

 

[PB78]

Hey , I've got the same floormats, so yeah nice Install.

How will that mike bracket go with 3m tape ?

My friend has a huge roll of industrial 3M double sided sticky tape. So far it seems to be holding fine. The mic is really light anyway. It isn't like those large heavy duty Motorola mics.

I may end up moving my speaker. I have one more MFJ speaker to mount. I may end up putting the cubby door back on and mounting both speakers side-by-side, just below the cubby door. I wasn't able to get the two next to each other inside the cubby hole.

I tried using a speaker splitter from Radio Shack, so I wouldn't have to mount two speakers. When using the splitter, I wasn't able to get any audio out of my scanner or 7800. In fact, when I turned my scanner on, it would turn itself back off!

I was also told by other ham's, that it is a bad idea to run two units off of one speaker; that they can back feed on each other and damage themself.

 

[Dubbin]

I tried mounting the main unit under the seat and it wouldn't fit. I even had the front passanger seat removed, and still couldn't get it in.

That just means that you need a bigger hammer