Hey T4R. I recently installed a CB radio in my 4runner, and though I would do a write-up. I have seen a couple of different ways to install a CB into the ash tray of a 3rd Gen. This is what worked for me and I am well pleased with how sturdy the CB is mounted. If you have any questions, feel free to ask.
Parts:
-Uniden Pro 520XL CB Radio
-RoadPro 18Ft Mini-8 Clear Coax Cable
-90 Degree Coax Cable adapter
-Cheap Magnetic mount CB antenna (until I buy a 4Ft Firestik)
-3/8in plywood/hardwood
Other Radios that will fit:
-Uniden 520:
http://www.unidendirect.com/itemdeta...O520XL&tabid=2
-Cobra 19:
https://www.cobra.com/detail/19-dx-i...t-cb-radio.cfm
-Midland 1001Lwx:
http://www.midlandradio.com/CB-Radio.WYQ/1001LWX
-Midland 1001z :
http://www.midlandradio.com/CB-Radio.WYQ/1001z
Tools:
-Wire cutter/stripper
-Dremel 3001
-1 1/4in Carbide Cutting Wheel
-Assortment of sanding bits for Dremel
-Small wood screws
-Philips Screwdriver
Time: A couple of hours.
My Dremel and bits.
Alright, so first thing was to remove the center console. I did not take any pictures of this, but here is a link to a thread that goes though it in detail.
3rd Gen Dash Clock Fix
Next it was time to remove the ash tray. The only trick that took me a little bit was to take the ash tray out, you need to press down on the metal top
cover. It then pulls right out. Unscrew the two screws holding the frame and you are done. Note: In the picture you see here, I had already unscrewed
the two screws that hold the tray frame to the console.
Next: Its time for the dremel. Using the carbide cutting wheel I cut the back side of the plastic housing that used to hold the ash tray. I then sanded the
edges to make it nice and clean. Note: You could do this with other tools like a hacksaw, but a dremel was easiest for me.
Here is a different view to show where I cut.
Next I cut a 3.5in x 3.75in piece of 3/8in plywood using the dremel. This is going to go on top of the plastic housing and serve as something to fasten
too. I believe I put the longer side going towards the engine bay.
I then drilled two holes in the underside of the housing and used two tiny tapered screws to fasten the wood to the housing. Note: I tapered the holes so
the screws would be inlay-ed into the plastic, so not to scratch the CB when installing.
I then screwed on the included metal bracket that came with the CB to the CB. At this time you should be able to slide the CB with bracket in and over
the wood base, as shown.
Finaly I reused the two screws that held in the ash tray frame to fasten the CB to the wood base. Also it is a good idea to add an 90 Degree adapter for the antenna coax.
And you are done. Make sure when you go and re-install the console that you do a nice clean job of cable management. It can get pretty messy back there.
For now I just coiled up the extra coax cable. Later on I will add to this thread on how I ran the cable. Thumbs up for the 8 Ball.
A couple of things to note. Installing a 90 degree angle adapter on for the coax cable will help you push the CB in a little farther and keep the cable from kinking. Also if your 4runner has a built in amp for your stock speakers, it is a little tight. I found that you could unscrew the amp and move it 1in lower. This greatly helped with getting the CB radio flush with the console.
This is Part I of my CB radio Build. In a couple of weeks (could be a month or too) I will be adding how to wire up both the CB radio and the Antenna.
Linear Mode
