11-25-2018, 09:05 PM
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#1
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Join Date: Feb 2018
Location: Rio Rancho, New Mexico
Posts: 371
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Join Date: Feb 2018
Location: Rio Rancho, New Mexico
Posts: 371
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Looking for better “blind spot” mirrors for my side mirrors
Does anyone have a lead on something better than the little circle mirrors? Is there one made that actually fits in the lower corner of the side mirror? I’d appreciate any help...and yes, looking over your shoulder is also a solution 😀
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11-25-2018, 10:27 PM
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#2
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Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Cincinnati, OH
Posts: 80
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Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Cincinnati, OH
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I don’t have blind spot mirrors on my 4Runner, but when I went looking Pep Boys had a large assortment available for my F150, many shapes other than basic round. I got a rectangular one that didn’t take up too much space, while giving me the view I wanted.
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11-26-2018, 12:46 AM
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#3
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Senior Member
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Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Santa Monica, CA
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Real Name: Keith
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Senior Member
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Location: Santa Monica, CA
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Standard small, flat mirrors are pathetic, useless, even dangerous.
I decided to make both of my side mirrors wide angle, full size.
I measured the dimensions of the stock 4Runner mirrors, then found glass wide angle mirrors on Amazon that came close in size and shape.
Attached them right on top of the existing power mirrors, using black RTV.
And yes---objects in both mirrors are closer than they appear.
Added benefit: Headlights of following vehicles are not as brightly reflected.
No pics handy, but can take tomorrow if it's of interest.
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97 4R SR5, 4WD/Elock, 3.4, 5spd. OME881/890 springs/OME shocks, 265/70/16 BFG AT/KO2.
Last edited by pluton; 11-26-2018 at 12:55 AM.
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11-26-2018, 11:25 AM
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#4
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Join Date: Feb 2018
Location: Rio Rancho, New Mexico
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Join Date: Feb 2018
Location: Rio Rancho, New Mexico
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Interest! Interest! Thank you!
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11-26-2018, 11:47 AM
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#5
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Senior Member
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Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: Palos Verdes, CA
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Real Name: Leon
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Senior Member
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Location: Palos Verdes, CA
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That's interesting, I actually find the mirrors on the 4Runenr to be incredibly good compared to my other cars. They are huge in comparison, and I can see a much wider range - I actually can see the curb when backing up into a parking spot, it's like having a free backup camera .
One thing I always do with my side mirrors is adjust them further out than what you are taught in driver's ed (i.e. place them so you can see your quarter panel). Instead, I adjust mine further out, so that the inner part of the reflection just barely overlaps the rear view mirror. That makes the outer part of the reflection so wide that it essentially overlaps your peripheral vision. So first you see an object in your rear view mirror, then it moves to the side mirror, then you can see it without the mirrors. Instant "blind spot" elimination. It takes some getting used to, but once you do that, you'll never go back.
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1997 4Runner Limited 4WD E-Locker ~200k | Falken Wildpeak A/T3W 265/75/16 | Pro Comp 69 16x8 | OME 2906 | B&M 70264
Addicted Offroad Front Bumper | Spiker Engineering High-Lift Hood Struts and Ultragauge Mount
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11-26-2018, 02:08 PM
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#6
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Join Date: Feb 2018
Location: Rio Rancho, New Mexico
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 4Runner4Leon
That's interesting, I actually find the mirrors on the 4Runenr to be incredibly good compared to my other cars. They are huge in comparison, and I can see a much wider range - I actually can see the curb when backing up into a parking spot, it's like having a free backup camera .
One thing I always do with my side mirrors is adjust them further out than what you are taught in driver's ed (i.e. place them so you can see your quarter panel). Instead, I adjust mine further out, so that the inner part of the reflection just barely overlaps the rear view mirror. That makes the outer part of the reflection so wide that it essentially overlaps your peripheral vision. So first you see an object in your rear view mirror, then it moves to the side mirror, then you can see it without the mirrors. Instant "blind spot" elimination. It takes some getting used to, but once you do that, you'll never go back.
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So I normally adjust them so I just barely see the edge of my own car. Like in the mirror space... 20% my car, then 80% not. Maybe I should adjust them out further?
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11-26-2018, 02:49 PM
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#7
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Join Date: May 2013
Location: Olathe KS
Age: 41
Posts: 670
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Join Date: May 2013
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Rancho5
So I normally adjust them so I just barely see the edge of my own car. Like in the mirror space... 20% my car, then 80% not. Maybe I should adjust them out further?
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I align the inside edge of the mirror with the side, so I see nothing of the truck unless I move my head to one side or the other. You don't need to look at your rear quarter panels going down the road..... it takes getting used to, but after you've done it awhile you'll wonder why you ever did it any other way.
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Last edited by Cree; 11-26-2018 at 02:51 PM.
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11-26-2018, 02:49 PM
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#8
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Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: Pasadena, CA
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Rancho5
So I normally adjust them so I just barely see the edge of my own car. Like in the mirror space... 20% my car, then 80% not. Maybe I should adjust them out further?
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You should adjust them WAYYYY out from there. The 'correct' way is so they just overlap the rear view mirror, like Leon said.
I do it by leaning near to the door, then adjusting the driver's mirror to just see the car. Lean the same amount towards the center, and adjust the passenger mirror so you can just see the car. When sitting in the normal driving position, you will see the nose of the car right next to you when it finally disappears from the side mirrors. If you need to see straight behind you, that's what the rear view mirror is for. The side mirrors are for checking your sides - and why would you want to see any part of your own car? You know where it is already!
Always still check your blind spots before changing lanes, of course. There is no need for extra mirrors in a 3rd gen 4Runner - they are huge for the size of the vehicle!
-Charlie
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'99 4Runner SR5 Auto - 4WD swapped
'89 Camry Alltrac LE 3S-GTE 5spd
'17 Chevy Volt Premier
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Previous: '88 Camry Alltrac LE 3S-GE BEAMS, 90 Camry 3S-GTE, 90 Camry DX, '03 WRX wagon, '08 Outback XT
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11-26-2018, 03:03 PM
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#9
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Join Date: Sep 2018
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I put these on both side mirrors, and they work great. Cheap alternative and they don’t look out of place if you mount them on the bottom outer corner. I gotta be honest, the 3rd gen 4Runners have very minimal blind spots, if at all. Out of all the cars I’ve driven (I rent cars all the time for work, so I’ve driven quite a few), these trucks have pretty clear line of sight. Worst has got to be the Camaro and the Challenger. I have self doubt whenever I change lanes in those cars.
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Auto-Driv...SABEgLNlvD_BwE
Last edited by RunningForNow; 11-28-2018 at 01:18 AM.
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11-26-2018, 03:19 PM
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#10
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Join Date: Feb 2018
Location: Rio Rancho, New Mexico
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Join Date: Feb 2018
Location: Rio Rancho, New Mexico
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I ordered some small glass HD mirrors last night, before all this great advice today. One thing I do like tho, because of my chronically sore neck, is that with the added mirrors you don't have to ever check your blind spot. If there isn't a car in that little mirror, it's not there. And if there is a car there, you better believe it's next to you in the blind spot. Absolutely no guessing about it.
I drive an 18 Camry as a company car and it's got those yellow warning blind spot lights in the side mirrors. They worked great for a while...no need to crane my neck to change lanes. Now they are malfunctioning and completely NOT trustworthy. Time to take it in.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
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11-26-2018, 03:27 PM
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#11
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Senior Member
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Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: Palos Verdes, CA
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Real Name: Leon
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Here's a good overview of the adjustment method we're recommending above.
https://www.caranddriver.com/feature...id-blind-spots
__________________
1997 4Runner Limited 4WD E-Locker ~200k | Falken Wildpeak A/T3W 265/75/16 | Pro Comp 69 16x8 | OME 2906 | B&M 70264
Addicted Offroad Front Bumper | Spiker Engineering High-Lift Hood Struts and Ultragauge Mount
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11-28-2018, 12:04 AM
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#12
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Senior Member
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Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Santa Monica, CA
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Here are photos of the glued-on wide angle mirrors, shot from the drivers position. It takes a short while to learn to judge distances but I'm very happy with the greatly increased coverage. I love being able to see my rear tire (on both sides of the car) while backing up or parallel parking.
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97 4R SR5, 4WD/Elock, 3.4, 5spd. OME881/890 springs/OME shocks, 265/70/16 BFG AT/KO2.
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11-28-2018, 08:22 AM
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#13
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Location: MI, USA
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Rancho5
I ordered some small glass HD mirrors last night, before all this great advice today. One thing I do like tho, because of my chronically sore neck, is that with the added mirrors you don't have to ever check your blind spot. If there isn't a car in that little mirror, it's not there. And if there is a car there, you better believe it's next to you in the blind spot. Absolutely no guessing about it.
I drive an 18 Camry as a company car and it's got those yellow warning blind spot lights in the side mirrors. They worked great for a while...no need to crane my neck to change lanes. Now they are malfunctioning and completely NOT trustworthy. Time to take it in.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
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That's the exact same thing I bought a year ago. It's adjustable but they stay in position unless I go move it with my fingers Or go to the car wash.
I totally agree. It made my life easier. If it's not showing up in that little mirror, then there's no car and you can quickly merge (w/ turn signals on of course)
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2001 Toyota 4Runner Limited. 231k miles.
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11-28-2018, 12:54 PM
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#14
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Senior Member
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Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Austin, Texas
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Rancho5
...D
and yes, looking over your shoulder is also a solution 😀
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Nothing but nothing beats this idea for effectiveness! Regardless of mirrors, always turn your head.... :COWBOY:
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2001 Limited 4WD - 346+K - SunfireRed\Thunder Cloud; - 265/75/16 Michelin A/T2s - Fat Pat's 1.5" BL - StopTech ANGLED rotors - In series 699 trans cooler, New Yota1 transmission, All new OEM suspension front to rear.
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11-28-2018, 02:57 PM
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#15
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Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: new york
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After everything to improve car safty the rear view mirror has never changed, why? It would be easy to concave the mirrors to cover all blind spots but nothing
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