I tried to search but other than sifting through dozens of build threads I thought I'd ask....

It's winter here and I need something to work on. I've done just about all the performance mods to the 4Runner I can think of and a few updates like LED cup holder lighting, new stereo with blue tooth, etc.

What are say the top 5-10 modernization mods for these older 3rd gens? I can't do a double din stereo as my supercharger gauges are in a custom panel under the single din unit.

I've been thinking about

-a backup camera with a rear view mirror that has a video screen built in

-foot well lighting?

-usb charging ports?

-custom real leather armrest cover (need to find an upholsterer)

-new steering wheel leather (need to find an upholsterer)

-updated rear tail lights

-LED dash lights?

Ideas welcome

2uz-fe swap, gx470 / LC100 seats, double din stereo (with bluetooth), heated seats, back up camera, usb charging ports, 99+ cup holders (any 96-98 4R owners that don't do this should burn at the stake), HID projector headlights.

Radar cruise control
Rain sensing wipers
proximity sensors (in the bumpers)
birds-eye camera system
heated steering wheel


since winter only began 9 days ago and we have a ways to go, how about some more challenging projects?

I bought a $50 single din head unit from crutchfield and it is one of the best mods I’ve done, sounds much better, and the Bluetooth is nice. Previously I used one of those Bluetooth adaptors that plug into the 12v outlet and the head unit is a night and day difference

I just did the LED headlight upgrade.

3 nozzle windshield nozzles to replace the old nozzles

Want to do

Heated seats you can buy the heaters A/M and slide them into your seats.

Modern head unit with android OS for my torque pro app

Backup camera using the modern head unit. [ my Tocuma has it built into the mirror ] I don't want to change my rearview mirror. ;)

4 ch dvr camera system to have servallence on the rig.

[ I like to dream though ]

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Yes those 12volt bluetooth you cant hear very good with cell phone calls. The mic is the issue with them.

My old head unit dead, so I went back to the OEM one with those 12v bluetooth adapter. I wouldn't recommend it long term if you talk on the phone alot

Works half decent for streaming music off your smart phone though.

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I mostly use it to listen to podcasts while driving, and it worked well enough for that but I really like having the 12v outlet available for my charger, and the head unit has much less static and better sound quality

I tend to just ignore phone calls while I’m driving so that feature isn’t too big of a deal to me

Modernizing a 3rd gen always felt like a bit of an oxymoron to me. We sorta love them because they're old. I feel its analogous the cosmetic surgery on a granny.

I'll call it improvement ideas. I like the armrest idea. The 360 degree camera is possible with aftermarket electronics but making those cameras blend in will be something of challenge. If you have an OEM alarm I believe they are making programmable switchblade keys if you feel like making an 02' feel like an 06'. I wonder if there are aftermarket smart key systems.

I wouldn't mind having footwell lighting, puddle lamps on the doors and swapping out the green lamps for Amber's, but I'm not sure when I'll get around to it

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I'd say some sound deadening would go a long way towards making the 3rd gen feel more modern.

Here's a more recent thread with some good summary: Is sound deadening worth it?

That is a good one. The trunk floor really lacks in that department.

The “modernization” I’ve done that’s had the biggest impact is : sound deadening, double din stereo with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto (make sure you get one that physically tilts since the screen is so low - Pioneer makes some), microphone install for calls/voice commands, and back up camera.

Rear passenger USB/12v ports are nice too (link in my signature - this is a pretty easy project).

I also hard wired a Garmin Dashcam Mini in which is nice. I want to a add a rear one too.

The next big ones for me are: heated seats, rear mirror with temp and compass, turn signal lights on side view mirrors, and foot area lights with capacitor fade.

I would aim towards USB ports. They're pretty easy as they draw minimal power so add-a-fuse is a option. Some RV type ones are cool. I forget what a 3rd gen center console looks like but I optimized my 2nd gen's console spacing. Dual USB's on one port and other is a basic 12v outlet. Pretty simple.


Steering wheel leather is something I just did. (Again, a 2nd gen but still). Went with single color grey from wheelskins. Worth a trip to their website to check out options.


Only downside or minor imperfection is at the spokes. Doesn't stretch much so you can't be 100% hidden on the threads. But it's a very nice kit.

There is a mod out there for putting a GM rear view mirror instead of the Toyota one to have a compass and temperature up there if you don't already. That always looked fun to me.

And the 3rd gens are able to accept the JDM Field Monitoring Unit at the overhead console area. Hard as hell to find, super expensive and also only in metric units, they are very cool from what I've seen online.

It's funny, you say you want more modern, but when I compare my wife's 5th gen to what I remember a 3rd gen is like, there isn't a whole lot of things that are super modern by comparison.

1 - Double Din Pioneer AVH Unit (If at all possible, I'd move your other unit to make this happen) These are back-up camera ready and the big screen is much better than a rear-view setup.

2 - Leather steering wheel - an eBay seller offers OEM color and cut matching replacements that you sew on. They look just like OEM.

3 - Heated seats - I went with the Besond kit available on Amazon with 5 heat settings. Very well made. Amazon.com: Besond car seat heater carbon fiber heater element two seats fit Toyota: Automotive

Thanks for the good ideas. I'm not gonna go as far as 360 cameras or things like that. I'm more looking at small improvements. I agree part of the charm these things have is their age, and they age very well.

Every so often I start looking to get something else and keep eyeing a Durango SRT to pull my Hellcat with, but I doubt there's another SUV I'd keep 18 years like this one. If it had enough ooomph to pull the Hellcat I'd be golden, but I don't think it does even with the supercharger.

I can't do the double din as mentioned in the first post. I've got way too much wiring and stuff going on there with the gauges.



I did one of the leather steering wheel covers back when and have never really liked it as it makes the wheel a lot thicker. I'm gonna see about having an upholsterer do it back like factory, and maybe upgrade to baseball stitching. I checked in to a new steering wheel and they were $800 last I checked.

I like the heated seat idea and Mrs. Speedy would like that one too. I'll have to see how I can set the switches up. I don't think my 2002 model has any open switch port cut outs. My leather is getting a bit long in tooth, and planned some Katskinz at some point and was gonna do it then but maybe I'll jump on that now.

I found a mirror with a compass and temp with a screen built in.

https://amzn.to/2SGwxhB

This one has Homelink but pricey!

https://amzn.to/2u38b7j

And found this USB port that looked interesting. I'll have to get surgical with my Dremel to make a cutout for it.

https://amzn.to/37r3djq


I'll start looking at some foot well light options. I want mine to run when the park/head lights are activated and if I'm clever turn on and off with the doors opening/closing but that may require custom electronics I'm not willing to engineer. Two separate LEDs might be simpler there.