04 4Runner stereo options (1 Viewer)

[mdsims]

Hey there 120 troop. I picked up an 04 V8 Limited a while back and am less than impressed with the stereo function. Granted, it's an 04 (and sounds better than my 1971 40-series), but I have the following improvement goals.
1. Bluetooth compatibility / phone integration for making (legal) handsfree calls
2. Better cd drive that can actually read burned discs and MP3/aac files
3. Aux or USB input up front for hardwire connections
4. Simple aesthetics, nothing fancy, I don't like bling and don't want something that catches any interest from thieves (would even entertain an oem takeout from a newer Toyota if there is such an option.
5. Ease of wiring

The truck currently has the stock speakers, the JBL synthesis package which to me, sound just about normal. Not sure if there's a stock sub or amp with that package, but the entire rig is still stock. Might consider dropping in some new door speakers at at later date, but for now I just want a better head until.

I'm not a sound system guy, not at all.

Any help or guidance would be appreciated. I did some searching but many threads were 5ish years old. Technology and products move fast, especially the recent boom in Bluetooth phone pairing for calls.

Thanks,
Matt

 

[times9]

GXOR on Facebook has searchable posts and more up to date discussions for this..
Link: GXOR - GX OffRoad Public Group | Facebook

 

[mdsims]

GXOR on Facebook has searchable posts and more up to date discussions for this..
Link: GXOR - GX OffRoad Public Group | Facebook

Thanks for the link. Spent some time over there. Oddly, not much 4Runner applicability found just yet. Seems to be a lot of offbrand China units in the 200-300 range.

I think my swap will be a breeze compared to anything on a gx. The 4Runner looks like a true standard double din, those guys are having to replace a head unit with nav and a/c controls integrated, and a seemingly nonstandard size. Hopefully I fare better.

I'll post up with whatever I end up doing. Thanks.

 

[phishtaco]

Plenty of write ups on t4r. I've got the parts to do mine but I'm considering changing to a GX470 so I have been procrastinating.

 

[GXO]

You won't find much for a 4R on GXOR as it is for the GX

 

[times9]

Oops! I thought you posted looking for GX info (I forget there are other 120's out there.. a ton of the posts here are for gx's, I guess because there are so many other boards dedicated to the 4runners.)

Should be tons of info on t4r and others for double din units for the 4runner.. sorry for the misdirection!

Although the guys at GXOR have found a bunch of good double din options for non-nav replacement too. That's what I was thinking of, as I don't have nav in my GX..

I've been looking at the 9" touchscreen units from China that are a direct fit with the curve of the dash. I imagine similar must exist for the 4runner that get you a more factory look than a double din with a trim kit?

 

[mdsims]

Yea, I'm sure there are. I'll have to look more. Few vacations plannned this month and then I'll have some more time come September. Leaning toward a regular double din with trim kit, wiring in some extra USB for data&power in the center console and calling it a day.

 

[burtoncr]

I just installed a Pioneer MVH-X690BS this past weekend in my 04 GX (non-nav) with the stock JBL amp. It's everything you want except no CD player. They make a CD player version for $10 more. For you I would look at these:

https://www1.crutchfield.com/Produc...Items=01|105KWR925B&compareItems=01|130X730BS

I wanted a cleaner looking receiver face so I chose the Pioneer over the JVC, but that is just my opinion.

Also, get the 4runner install package with the PAC RP4.2-TY11 Wiring Interface (it's $70.98) it looks to come with everything you need for installation plus instructions from Crutchfield (this was not offered for the GX, but seems to do everything in one module the same as what I got via two different modules). The install package is automatically offered when you add the receiver to your cart. They also provide awesome support if you run into problems.

The "hardest" part will be programming the steering wheel interface since it all done through button pushes and LED feedback. My truck didn't come with bluetooth calling originally so I didn't have the "answer" or "hangup" buttons on the steering wheel. Using the steering wheel interface I programmed a "long press" on the up/down arrows to pickup / hangup, and a long press volume down to mute (attenuate).

Also, it turns out that both the 4Runner and GX have two antennas, a larger one for FM/AM and a small diversity antenna for FM. You end up only using the larger one. And hanging off that same dual antenna harness in the car is a single wire that needs 12volts to power the antenna amplifier (otherwise you get bad reception). Although none of the instructions explained that connection I figured it out via the 4runner forums and wired up the "system remote" blue/white wire coming out of the Pioneer to both the JBL amp activation signal and the antenna amplifier.


As a reference for the GX guys here are all the parts I used (no cutting of the stock harness required):

Pioneer MVH-X690BS
Axxess TYTO-01 Wiring Interface
iDatalink Maestro ADS-MSW Steering Wheel Control Adapter
Metra 70-8114 Steering Wheel Control Wire Harness
DKMUS Double Din Radio Stereo Installation Panel

https://www1.crutchfield.com/cart/default.aspx?nolp=true&emKey=1789682&emType=0

https://www1.crutchfield.com/p_1207...4+steering+wheel+control+wire+harness&tp=3486

Amazon.com: DKMUS Double Din Radio Stereo Installation Panel for 2002-2009 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 120 Lexus Gx470 Dash Trim Kit Fascia Fits 2 Sizes178x102mm and 173x98mm: Car Electronics