Pre 03 Factory NAV to Double Din, Climate Knobs Conversion? (1 Viewer)

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I really don't want to upset you guys, but I'm curious about this whole swap out the nav system idea.
We are going from a 98 to a 04. The 04 has this nav system etc.
I understand your reasoning behind going to better nav system, sound system etc.
However, if I'm ok with being tied to the old outdated nav system, and the sound system is ok for me, why would I "need" to do this?
Is the system that un-reliable? Can you lose the ability to run the climate controls, sound system etc, if this thing craps out? I haven't even picked up the 04 yet (Saturday) I could tell during the test drive that the nav system was out of date, but I didn't really care..
Am I missing something, or is this nav system going to be my worst nightmare?

Thanks
 
MoCruiser said:
I really don't want to upset you guys, but I'm curious about this whole swap out the nav system idea.
We are going from a 98 to a 04. The 04 has this nav system etc.
I understand your reasoning behind going to better nav system, sound system etc.
However, if I'm ok with being tied to the old outdated nav system, and the sound system is ok for me, why would I "need" to do this?
Is the system that un-reliable? Can you lose the ability to run the climate controls, sound system etc, if this thing craps out? I haven't even picked up the 04 yet (Saturday) I could tell during the test drive that the nav system was out of date, but I didn't really care..
Am I missing something, or is this nav system going to be my worst nightmare?

Thanks

You dont "have" to do any mods on your Cruiser as it is a very good vehicle in stock form. We upgrade them to improve their performance for our personal preferences and applications.

The reason I want this mod is to:

- Have a line-in for iPod/mp3 player (my '02 does not have it).
- Wirelessly tether from my phone to online services for viewing on aftermarket head units.
- Ability to load custom topological GPS maps for use in aftermarket HU
- Have a sound system that is an order of magnitude better sounding than the crappy OEM one.
- Add reverse camera in order to compensate for rear vision loss due to aftermarket bumper and tire carrier.
- XM radio
- Insure against a multi-function panel breakdown that would instantly take down NAV, climate control and entertainment.
- Avoid having to purchase Toyota navigation DVDs and incurr their associated upgrade costs.
- Add ability to watch DVDs from the front seats while camping.
- Wireless remote for controlling sound (like at a tailgate).

...I am sure there are many more reasons that I can't think of right off the top of my head.

As for durability, it is just a harness that goes from the factory vehicle harness to a different style OEM center console. It should prove every bit as reliable (or more so) than a LC with the included Navigation MFP.

Also, should your MFP fail, it costs thousands for an OEM replacement. If a 10 year old computer drives you crazy then think about all the features and performance you are missing out on having a 10 year old MFP staring you down every time you are in the driver's seat!

- Sent from a very small supercomputer.
 
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What pfran Said -

Screen Shot 2011-11-09 at 3.39.18 PM.webp
Screen Shot 2011-11-09 at 3.39.18 PM.webp
 
If a 10 year old computer drives you crazy then think about all the features and performance you are missing out on having a 10 year old MFP staring you down every time you are in the driver's seat!

- Sent from a very small supercomputer.

Paul - sounds like a nightmare. :eek: Although I never doubted my GS430 with OEM nav of some 10 years, I never grew accustomed to the integrated controls. Having to push 5 buttons to get to a calendar screen or switch the air to defrost while in Navigation/Map mode was annoying.

And for me it's also about modernizing the Cruiser to have some of the electronic capabilities of some of the newer cars. Things I've come to love and not live without. BlueTooth, voice control, real GPS and mapping, waypoints, route tracking, integrated phone systems, etc.
 
All good reasons. I was not questioning this new system's reliability, but the OEM system..
We haven't even picked up the 04 yet. I guess I was jumping the gun a bit about this mod..
I would prefer a different gps, I've gone through 3 Garmin units on my motorcycles.
Give me a summer driving this 04, I will probably end up getting this done.
Thanks,
Jeff



You dont "have" to do any mods on your Cruiser as it is a very good vehicle in stock form. We upgrade them to improve their performance for our personal preferences and applications.

The reason I want this mod is to:

- Have a line-in for iPod/mp3 player (my '02 does not have it).
- Wirelessly tether from my phone to online services for viewing on aftermarket head units.
- Ability to load custom topological GPS maps for use in aftermarket HU
- Have a sound system that is an order of magnitude better sounding than the crappy OEM one.
- Add reverse camera in order to compensate for rear vision loss due to aftermarket bumper and tire carrier.
- XM radio
- Insure against a multi-function panel breakdown that would instantly take down NAV, climate control and entertainment.
- Avoid having to purchase Toyota navigation DVDs and incurr their associated upgrade costs.
- Add ability to watch DVDs from the front seats while camping.
- Wireless remote for controlling sound (like at a tailgate).

...I am sure there are many more reasons that I can't think of right off the top of my head.

As for durability, it is just a harness that goes from the factory vehicle harness to a different style OEM center console. It should prove every bit as reliable (or more so) than a LC with the included Navigation MFP.

Also, should your MFP fail, it costs thousands for an OEM replacement. If a 10 year old computer drives you crazy then think about all the features and performance you are missing out on having a 10 year old MFP staring you down every time you are in the driver's seat!

- Sent from a very small supercomputer.
 
Rob, I'm already a 'roundy' but I applaud you for your efforts!

If there was any way to convert to the non-US direct control knobs I'd be in. I'd love to get rid of the computer and have direct control of the dampers via the knobs just like every other old-school rig. Would be nice to simply control the duct temp rather than have it 'interpret' air mix based upon how warm it 'thinks' I feel. I find myself adjusting the temp setting way more frequently now than I did on other rigs...

Perhaps for your next trick you can make an A750 trans adapter harness...
 
Perhaps for your next trick you can make an A750 trans adapter harness...

Double down for this! I spoke to Orto about this a couple months ago, and even though he told me a couple years ago they were working on the bridge controller, he told they haven't started on this project yet.
 
Double down for this! I spoke to Orto about this a couple months ago, and even though he told me a couple years ago they were working on the bridge controller, he told they haven't started on this project yet.
Are you after controlling a 5 speed with your 4 speed ECU, or just patching a 5 speed ECU into your truck? I've thought about the former, emulating the 4 speed for the ECU's benefit with your own programming to control the 5 speed is not rocket science but the problem I see is (according to literature) the ECU reduces engine power to soften gear changes and that will happen when there's no real gear change and the real gear change won't have that benefit ... or did I miss the point :)
 
Sent payment for option 1. Thanks again, Rob.
 

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