Is the back passenger panel compatible between the earlier years with the small door, and the later years with the larger door? I could look in the junkyards.

Also what about the driver side which has no compartment? I guess the gas tank fill gets in the way.

Yes. I have all panels from a 99 in my 97. The 99 panels also have a 12v dc outlet built in just inside the rear door/hatch so if you get 12v's back there somehow you can have a plugin... I havent had a chance to hook mine up yet but i would first start with the brake light wire as it is always hot...

One thing i do remember is having to cut a lil metal on the pass side so the newer panel/cubby will fit. If you go ahead and take off the cubby box completely as the OP mod suggest i dont think you will have to do any trim work

Also, there is a lil space on the driver side but there is a breather vent back there you'd have to do away with and also figure out how to make a decent looking door. If i recall, the most difficult part was having to replace every piece back there so the colors would match from side to side but you may get lucky and find the pass side panel in the color you need. Good luck

You should remove part of your last quote, its the whole thread, thanks!

This. Highly recommend carpet otherwise it gets noisy.

Even us with the tiny storage compartment lid can enjoy this, it's still the same sized cavity. But you really should glue some carpet on it first.

I thought about it when I had it all apart for sound deadening, but the air vent and gas cap take up most of the room. Plus I have no idea how to cut into the paneling to make an opening that wouldn't look horrible.

This was my exact thought!

I think just a 8" plastic marine deck plate wouldn't look so bad and you could still stow a bunch of stuff in the void...

To be 100% honest, I dont care a lot how it looks as long as I get some practical function out of it, so I might rig something up!

That is an awesome idea. Now I want to try this one again!

if someone tries this, would like to see a write up

I just got my 1998 from a tow yard lien sale for $1,500 and as I got deeper & deeper into it I found the source of the dirt ; the vent thing on the drivers side. The sunroof drain goes into it but it looks like it should have some foam or something to keep dirt out. The compartment had 4" of dirt in it, so much I just used my hand to scoop it out before I used the shop vac. The fine dust is deep inside every body panel, door pillar, and dust comes out of the headliner when you slam the door. I have totally gutted the interior at this point and hosed it out, am washing the carpets, headliner, etc. and sound/insulating everything before I put it back.
What is this filter looking thing for on the drivers rear panel ?

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You are missing the outer cover. PM me and maybe we can work out a deal. I am dismantling my 99 4runner and just looked outside. I think I have the parts you need.

Is this to vent the gas filler if it leaks or what is its purpose ?
Not sure if I am going to do away with it or not.

There is supposed to be a 1-way flap door on that vent (all recent vehicles have something similar). My truck was that way when I got it too...



You can still get the part new from Toyota.

-Charlie

What is the purpose of the vent ?