This is a write up of the installation I just performed of a 1” Ram ball. A phone mount to me ought to be:
1) not a far reach away for the hand
2) not too far from where I’m normally looking
3) does not obstruct the field of view out of the windshield
4) one handed operation to mount or unmount the phone
5) secures the phone when off-roading

The actual phone mount bracket I already had and used for years. It’s a home brew hack. It’s the ideal phone holder - not the prettiest but checks off 4 and 5 above. But what I was missing was a way to mount it in a 5th gen 4Runner. The spacing for this was very tricky.

I started with taking a grinder to the Ram mount:




Then I played this game going between placing it on the outside, and then looking at the clearances in the rear.m when the nut and washer needed to fit. I did not want to remove/cut any plastic behind the radio (but this would of been my next step to make this work if needed)


Then I double checked and triple checked before drilling holes:


Fasteners used were 10-32 3/4” long. The nuts had plastic inserts (very necessary). The outer hex on the nut was 3/16”. Here are some pics during the installation:





Near where the fasteners go through, small sections of scotch double sided tape was used to help adjust from the curved vehicle surface to the flat Ram mount. A small piece of electrical tape covered where the anodization was removed to prevent excessive scratching.

Then the mount added:


The result worked out extremely well. The phone is in the absolute perfect location IMO. Note however the plastic this is mounted to is pretty flimsy as it doesn’t support much weight - therefore this mount is going to pull a single plastic clip in tension. Seems plenty sturdy for my phone but for higher weight bearing screwing into the dash would be better.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I took a simpler route. Drilled 2 small holes and used wood screws.
Didn't take anything off. Works good been using the hell out of it vacationing in Florida.

Attached Images

 

Here's a link to the ram ball install that I (and many others) have had for a while. Looks a bit cleaner IMHO.


Installing a Ram Mount into a 5th Gen Toyota 4runner - YouTube

Not sure why that needed to be a write up.... Even more unsure why I read it.... But Ram mounts are super useful, I use their stuff for my fm set up

Ahh mine wasn’t original, good to know! I once tried using the kind of Ram mount from the video (single hole) but found however much I tightened it it would end up rotating over big bumps. Was this ever an issue for you?

I did have that issues initially, However, after adding a split lock washer it hasn't been an issue

I used this exact installation for my ram mount: 5th Gen 4Runner iPhone/ Droid Phone Mount - 4Runner Phone Mount

Works extremely well. Just purchased a Dasaita head unit so have to re-do once I get everything working again. One of the best mods i've done.

Any thoughts on this wireless charging mount? Scanstrut Rokk Wireless - Edge - Multi-Adjustable 12v/24v Waterproof Wireless Phone Charging Mount

I would integrate a wireless charger into the phone mount. My phone mount uses two magnets to help hold the phone which requires an iron material placed on the phone. This ferromagnetic material would interfere with the wireless charging, so it would have to be placed out of the wireless charging coils. If it’s the new gen iPhone, then the MagSafe charger could be used without additional magnets since it has magnets already. Below are pictures of my phone mount. The black plastic is just 3/16” ABS and the metal bits are corner brackets available from a hardware store.


The magnets I used came from disassembling the amazon ASIN B00PGJWYJ0

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

For $11. I've used this for years now. Comes with a bunch of little metal plates with double sided tape you put under case on the back of phone. Then I have the mount itself exactly where OP put the ram ball, and angled.

Amazon.com: SCOSCHE MAGDMB MagicMount Universal Magnetic Mount Holder for Mobile Devices In Frustration Free Packaging, Black: Car Electronics

I've wheeled with it and never had the phone fall off, if I had the bigger iPhone I would have gotten the more expensive, stronger magnet one

Amazon.com: SCOSCHE MPDB MagicMount Pro Universal Magnetic Mount Holder for Mobile Devices in Frustration Free Packaging, Black

I also got the flush mount one and my HAM radio mic is on the center console for easy access as well

would not want to be in an accident with this thing right in your face.

I agree.... the air bag and seatbelt should accomplish this


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

that looks ridiculous, just spend $20

Got more pics.

I got the Diamond Ball mount as shown in the OP and mounted that to the face of the lower panel below the red airbag light sort of directly above the transfer case shifter.

It's a nice location and you can get a short high quality USB-C cord that runs Android Auto very well and your phone is not up in clear view of anyone.

No more losing the front cup holder to the phone and no need to have a long cord run up to the top of the dashboard.

I tried to attach pics but the uploads failed.

Here's the short USB Cord I have:

This:
Amazon.com: Short USB C to USB C Cable, ARISEN 100W 20V/5A Superspeed [Emarker Chip & FPC Tech] USB-C PD Fast Charge, 10Gbps USB 3.1 Gen 2 USBC Date Cable - (0.72ft/22cm): Industrial & Scientific
Plus this adapter:
Amazon.com: USB C Female to USB Male Adapter (2 Pack),Type C to USB A Charger Cable Adapter for iPhone 11 12 Pro Max,Airpods iPad,Samsung Galaxy Note 10 20 S20 Plus S20+ 20+ Ultra,A71 5G,Microsoft Surface Duo: Computers & Accessories

Attached Images