Toyota 4Runner Install

[Tim-in-TX]

Tim, you have the exact same console and dash as I have, Mine is a 98 T4R, with a Clarion in the dash. I have a Pro-433 that I tried to put in the opening below the stereo but it wont fit. Did you have to pull everything off to do your install? also, is that "Gripper Mount" from Mount Guys.com? Below is my set-up, I want to change this due to passenger complaints about footspace.

I had to cut away a lot of excess plastic on the back side of the dash bezel to get the scanner to fit as well as it did. It is still not a perfect fit, as the scanner pushes the bezel out some, but it is not noticeable. I also had to make some changes to the mounting plates.
As for the stand for the portable, I got it off ebay, but it comes from Arkon:
SM225-S : Universal Flexible Steel Gooseneck Seat Bolt Mobile Phone Mount)...see bottom left box on the page.

Hey, HarrisonRHW, did you have to do some cutting to the back of the bezel too?

 

[SCPD]

Very nice, thanks will be ordering a few from them. Anyways, Great install!!!

 

[HarryWilly]

Is that one of the older 4Runners (pre-2002 or so)?

3rd Gen, actually 2002.

 

[HarryWilly]

I had to cut away a lot of excess plastic on the back side of the dash bezel to get the scanner to fit as well as it did. It is still not a perfect fit, as the scanner pushes the bezel out some, but it is not noticeable. I also had to make some changes to the mounting plates.
As for the stand for the portable, I got it off ebay, but it comes from Arkon:
SM225-S : Universal Flexible Steel Gooseneck Seat Bolt Mobile Phone Mount)...see bottom left box on the page.

Hey, HarrisonRHW, did you have to do some cutting to the back of the bezel too?

Sorry for the slow reply. No cutting is required but it is VERY VERY tight. There is like 1mm gap where the console sticks out, but that is being fixed. I modified the mount a little. You need to remove the retainers so the radio can be mounted back a little, which allows the radio to fit. It was not very fun trying to figure it out.

EDIT: confusing language. The small retainers for the CD radio that make it sit in an exact spot were removed, they seem unecessary as it is. Because the BCT-15 is ISO-DIN and has the wider face (japanese cars have skinnier faces, which is why alpine radios work better in them than american cars). The CD tray will not open now, it will once I fix the clearance issue so that the 1mm gap that the bezel is off the console is fixed the CD tray will open. It's annoying because the CD-tray opened in test fitting, which was done about 20 times.

 

[HarryWilly]

Floor shifters for no reason make me cry

I agree somewhat, doesn't make me cry but makes me upset, but that happens when you have a car that is also available in manual and they don't sell a police package for. But I would probably have some silly electronic switch instead of the physical feedback from a floor shifter for the transfer case.

 

[HarryWilly]

I was wondering that myself. It looks almost exactly the same as mine and my 4Runner is a 2000. I know what you mean by snug fit!
I put mine in about 3 years ago:

That looks really nice, that is exactly the 1mm clearance issue i was talking about and was working on repairing. Next step is figuring out how to replace the amber illumination. so there is more "flow"

 

[MrRevesz]

Oh-so-nice! I'm jealous!!! I'm looking at getting a 4Runner as a winter car, and i'll deff be throwing one of those in there..., looks so clean

 

[Zaratsu]

Oh-so-nice! I'm jealous!!! I'm looking at getting a 4Runner as a winter car, and i'll deff be throwing one of those in there..., looks so clean

thats a previous gen 4runner to the current generation. The current model is nowhere near as install friendly as this generation is. In fact thats why I clicked on this thread because I wanted to see "how the heck did someone do an in-dash in a new 4runner/pajero?"

Great install! Looks very clean and low profile.


as far as the guy looking at the 4runner for a winter car, if you can swing it get the 03+ or whatever the current generation is. Better on mileage by far and handles MUCH better. The previous one is kind of "top heavy" and many pre-maturly die up on their sides or roofs. The newer ones have all sorts of toys in them too and have a v8 avaliable! But there are really no bad 4runners. Besides Landcruisers, they are my favorite truck. You will just have to deal with the dashboard, but the resale value is really amazing compared to comparable vehicles.

 

[HarryWilly]

Not to get off subject here, I disagree with "top heavy," but that might because I used to drive a very top heavy car. Mine is awesome in winter, the V6 does not feel weak at all (plus added fuel milage is a plus!) and with the Toyo Open Country A/T's on the car it never has issues in the snow. I highly reccomend the 3rd, but i bet the 4th would be just as good if not better.

 

[N467RX]

thats a previous gen 4runner to the current generation. The current model is nowhere near as install friendly as this generation is. In fact thats why I clicked on this thread because I wanted to see "how the heck did someone do an in-dash in a new 4runner/pajero?"

Great install! Looks very clean and low profile.


as far as the guy looking at the 4runner for a winter car, if you can swing it get the 03+ or whatever the current generation is. Better on mileage by far and handles MUCH better. The previous one is kind of "top heavy" and many pre-maturly die up on their sides or roofs. The newer ones have all sorts of toys in them too and have a v8 avaliable! But there are really no bad 4runners. Besides Landcruisers, they are my favorite truck. You will just have to deal with the dashboard, but the resale value is really amazing compared to comparable vehicles.

Trust me, luxury (VX / VXL) Land Cruiser Prados are worse for installs, the dashboard is one piece thing, so you can't remove the factory stereo. The GX and less equipped VXs are more friendly because of the removable double DIN radio.

 

[Zaratsu]

Not to get off subject here, I disagree with "top heavy," but that might because I used to drive a very top heavy car. Mine is awesome in winter, the V6 does not feel weak at all (plus added fuel milage is a plus!) and with the Toyo Open Country A/T's on the car it never has issues in the snow. I highly reccomend the 3rd, but i bet the 4th would be just as good if not better.

Heh, drive a current (4th?) gen with the XREAS system. The 4.0L V6 in those will feel like a beast compared to the old 3 and 3.4L. The V8 will make you think that someone stuck a lexus V8 in there by accident. And with the XREAS, you will never need a lid for your coffee ever again

As far as top heavy. I am talking about the previous generation. I have seen and heard of several of these ending up on their roofs. Lets be clear that we are talking about highway driving on OEM tires with typical CT dimwit drivers that forget how to drive in winter/rain until at least Janurary. You give someone a very confident feeling vehicle that hides many of its limitations within it's competencies, and you get something that turns "Oh shi....." on you very quickly. Every instance in my memory (maybe 6 or 7 in this gen) is on a highway offramp or on ramp in changing (but not bad) weather conditions.

To be fair, I have seen 10 to 1 morons in Cherokees and grand cherokees do the same or worse than the last gen 4runners. It is just that the jeep drivers were typical "well I thought because it had 4wd that I could ........" balony, and the 4runner drivers were always just driving normal or even with slight caution. Personally, I do find the 3rd gen to be a great ride but it does seem to become unsettled a bit if you really pay attention to what the wheels, suspension, etc are doing. It hides the "bad" too well. The new ones are just the cats tits however. I want want want a black Limited V6 4wd with the diamond brushed wheels and hoodscoop very badly. They hold their value too well for me to buy one at the moment. Might as well get a similar vintage LandCruiser if you dont mind the girth and gas. But looks like deals on the extended cab taco are to be had if you look hard!

 

[h8tdigitalradio]

Hello,

Nice install! Unfortunately, I have a 4th Generation T4R V6 4X4 SR5 with transmission shifter on floor and 1.5 DIN. So this was my solution: (for now)

73

Dave AKA The Tripzter

 

[HarryWilly]

Lets be clear that we are talking about highway driving on OEM tires with typical CT dimwit drivers that forget how to drive in winter/rain until at least Janurary.

From West Hartford, know exactly what you mean... seen so many jeeps rolled over at the side of the road

 

[HarryWilly]

Hello,

Nice install! Unfortunately, I have a 4th Generation T4R V6 4X4 SR5 with transmission shifter on floor and 1.5 DIN. So this was my solution: (for now)

73

Dave AKA The Tripzter

Who makes that rack? It sucks that 4Runner's have floor shifters, but that appears to be an interesting solution.. I would like to fit more into the car but I have no where to put anything.

 

[h8tdigitalradio]

Who makes that rack?

Ram-Mount. They make vehicle specific mounts but one displayed for your T4R is an universal mount. Unfortunately, Jotto Desk and Havis-Shields don't make anything except universal mounts for the T4R. If anything, a rack must be custom built.

73

Dave AKA The Tripzter

 

[HarryWilly]

Ram-Mount. They make vehicle specific mounts but one displayed for your T4R is an universal mount. Unfortunately, Jotto Desk and Havis-Shields don't make anything except universal mounts for the T4R. If anything, a rack must be custom built.

73

Dave AKA The Tripzter

Thanks for the info, I will see what they have to offer

I didn't think anyone would make a "Rack" per-say, but it would be useful to have someway to mount various mobile, I just need to surf and get creative ideas.. I mean there must be some cop cars/fire chief vehicles that have a floor shifter/center console and have found solutions to mounting all their equipment

I wish I knew what LAPD did when they ran the 4Runner as a beach vehicle. I have seen a couple other 3rd gen police 4runners as well, so something must have worked.

I guess no one has a custom solution for mounting equipment because 4Runners aren't in high demand to replace Crown Vic's or Silverados, etc.

 

[h8tdigitalradio]

I mean there must be some cop cars/fire chief vehicles that have a floor shifter/center console and have found solutions to mounting all their equipment

Check out this THREAD from www.toyota-4runner.org Nice Fire Rescue vehicle. Simple installation. HERE is another one.

73

Dave AKA The Tripzter

 

[HarryWilly]

Check out this THREAD from www.toyota-4runner.org Nice Fire Rescue vehicle. Simple installation. HERE is another one.

73

Dave AKA The Tripzter

These would be useful if I used lights and siren, which may come at a later date/time

I have seen the Ellington, CT Fire/Rescue POV before, he doesn't really have a radio install, and kudos to Boulder rescue squad for finding a way to get everything in their 'yota, it looks like that kenwood needed a sledghammer to cram it in there for installation, too bad that space isn't free on the 3rd generation