Exactly. But only if you completely rewire the speaker system like I outlined above. If you connect the single DIN head unit to the nav unit using the Beat Sonic adapter, you're forced to use the integrated ML amp and compatible 8ohm speakers.
POLL: Which is more important... No NAV or KDSS?
- Thread starter subspd
- Start date
This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.
Correct. And if you install an aftermarket head unit with a harness adapter into a non-nav truck, you're still using the factory amplifier (I'm 95% certain that the OEM non-nav head unit does not directly drive the speakers - there's an amplifier underneath one of the seats).
Again, I don't see the huge difference here. If you're adding an aftermarket amp to any GX, nav or not, you are going to rewire the speakers anyway.
I guess what I'm trying to say is that the non-navigation units are 4 ohm systems and are not integrated to the HVAC controls, so you can easily swap out the head unit and/or upgrade the speakers while retaining any factory amps that might be involved (or upgrading them). Also, you wouldn't have to rewire anything because the aftermarket head unit will plug and play into the factory wiring harness.
The ML nav units are 8 ohm and integrated into the HVAC system, so you can't replace them. If you want to run speakers that are not 8 ohm (which is like 99.9% of auto speakers), the only option is to hardwire a stand alone head unit and overlay completely new speaker wire for the 100 speakers directly to the new head unit and/or amp(s). Giant PIA comparatively.
The ML nav units are 8 ohm and integrated into the HVAC system, so you can't replace them. If you want to run speakers that are not 8 ohm (which is like 99.9% of auto speakers), the only option is to hardwire a stand alone head unit and overlay completely new speaker wire for the 100 speakers directly to the new head unit and/or amp(s). Giant PIA comparatively.
Last edited:
Agreed. If you want to keep the factory amps, it's much easier to upgrade with a non-ML system. Until the Tesla-style units are sorted (if ever), starting with a non-nav truck is really the only way to get an aftermarket double DIN deck.
That'll be very interesting. Is the issue the HVAC interface? I see them on this site - 10.4" Tesla-style Vertical Screen Android Navigation Radio for Lexus GX 470 2003 - 2009
That's the one. HVAC is working - the current problem is no audio output (possibly the head unit isn't triggering the amp?). There's a guy with a non-nav 2004 who has one working. The 2008/nav guy is still working with the company.
I suppose in that case though, as long as HVAC works you could just run an aftermarket amp/speaker setup and call it a day.
Oh, sweet! Yeah, for sure.
Yes, the non-nav / non-ML has an amp under the driver seat. I think you could connect an aftermarket headunit to this amp, but the line input is not standard. It appears to be a balanced input, so you would need an adapter since most headunits don't have balanced line out. Also, there does not appear to be an amp turn on, it is always on, just muted unless the factory headunit signals it to unmute. Another adapter? Basically, it is not like how you would do it in most cars where you can just swap out the radio and everything will work, you need to spend money on adapters, or spend time figuring it out, or both.
For me KDSS is a must. Test drove quite a few 4runner and GX without KDSS and makes me remember why I got rid of my 100 series 8 years ago.
As for the Nav, any body willing to be the first beta tester?
12.1" Tesla Style Android6.0 Car GPS Navigation Radio For Toyota Prado 2014-2016 | eBay
As for the Nav, any body willing to be the first beta tester?
12.1" Tesla Style Android6.0 Car GPS Navigation Radio For Toyota Prado 2014-2016 | eBay
We have someone beta testing the unit from Phoenix link and it's not working. I can't get the link you posted to work, though.
12.1" Tesla Style Android6.0 Car GPS Navigation Radio For Toyota Prado 2014-2016 | eBay
It does look the same. So it's not working?
It does look the same. So it's not working?
- Thread starter
- #32
Bummer to hear the Tesla version is not working... I’m leaning toward a non-nav truck vs a KDSS truck.
They both were important to me so I searched for about 6 months and found my needle in a haystack. (The Black Birds Eye Maple was equally important)
Found a 05 Sport package without nav. So glad I waited.
Found a 05 Sport package without nav. So glad I waited.
Took me about 6 months to find my non-navi, KDSS as well.
Definitely my preferred combo. But if I could only pick one, I'd go with a non-Navi.
Definitely my preferred combo. But if I could only pick one, I'd go with a non-Navi.
I have a KDSS without Nav. It is the best combo if you can find one. At the time there were three regions of import for Lexus (West Coast, Gulf Coast, and East Coast). The East and West Coast importers only brought in the GX Sport with Nav. A small number of GX Sport models were imported to the Gulf Coast without nav. My understanding is that the only other way to get a non-Nav KDSS model was to order KDSS as an option, which was very rare.
My GX Sport now has a Pioneer head unit. I'm pretty pleased with the way it drives and sounds. My first GX Sport (2007) had nav. When I found a 2005 GX without Nav, I sold it my 2007, flew to Denver and bought my current rig. They are difficult to find.
My GX Sport now has a Pioneer head unit. I'm pretty pleased with the way it drives and sounds. My first GX Sport (2007) had nav. When I found a 2005 GX without Nav, I sold it my 2007, flew to Denver and bought my current rig. They are difficult to find.
I really wanted to get a non nav kdss, but I was realistic and just couldnt find one reasonably priced in good condition so, i let that dream go. I think with the rise in popularity of this machine these are going to get harder to find and more expensive I am hoping that the giant android radio replacements are going to work. They will solve the nav issue. Also a whole lot of sellers dont know if they do or do not have kdss so it can be a crap shoot when buying. If you have to travel to purchase it the best way I know to find out if it has kdss is to get them to take a picture of the bulb check dash position. If you see a kdss light then it has kdss.
Last edited:
I'm planning to add a Pioneer double din to my non Nav. The new ones come with wireless car play / android auto.
------
A few indicators that might suggest a kdss equipped gx.
Black birds eye maple wood trim, was only available with the sport option. Which includes kdss.
Larger diameter sway bars
Smoked headlights, fogs, reverse light housings.
Stainless muffler tips.
LaserNomad has the best method for determining if a gx has kdss. Just check for the kdss indicator on the cluster.
------
A few indicators that might suggest a kdss equipped gx.
Black birds eye maple wood trim, was only available with the sport option. Which includes kdss.
Larger diameter sway bars
Smoked headlights, fogs, reverse light housings.
Stainless muffler tips.
LaserNomad has the best method for determining if a gx has kdss. Just check for the kdss indicator on the cluster.
no nav ....... allows for this to easily
happen
What is the main reason to stay away from the navigation option?
Just the stereo?
Just the stereo?
Yes to upgrade to this decade 
