2003 non-JBL radio swap with 2006+ non-JBL radio?

[amg_w211]

2003 non-JBL radio swap with 2006+ MP3 non-JBL radio?

I have a 2003 4Runner with the basic single CD, non-JBL radio. While it works fine, I'd like to have the MP3 playback capability of the newer 2006+ 4Runners. A few questions:

1. What factory MP3 head units would your recommend?
2. Will I need a harness for the newer head unit so that it works with my car?
3. It seems that the changer style head units maybe problematic, so are there single CD headunits?

A few notes, I don't have the JBL radio in my car, and I'd like to stick w/ Toyota head units for the factory look (so no aftermarket recommendations please). The newer MP3 compatible 4Runner head units on ebay are relatively cheap (around $60-110)

Your help is appreciated.

 

[amg_w211]

Compatible stock Toyota MP3 radio part numbers

Based on information from an eBay seller's webpage (looks to be a professional stereo installer), the following newer Toyota MP3 radios look to be compatible with my stock 2003 4Runner stereo (non-JBL, single CD player, internal amplifier, faceplate 16831):

Interchangeable/upgraeable P/Ns: 86120-35410, 86120-35401, 86120-35400, 86120-52870, 86120-52880, 86120-35401, 86120-52530, 86120-52490

Interchangeable/upgraeable Faceplate Nos: 11823, 11808, 11829, 11833, 11807, 11834, 11817, 16830, A51816, 16852, 16845, 16844 and 16831

Ordering radio 86120-35401 from eBay for $50. Will let you know if it works.

 

[amg_w211]

Flawless direct swap

Just had a chance to get the new Toyota radio swap done and it's a direct exchange--no splicing of wires or new harnesses needed. I purchased Toyota P/N 86120-35401 (faceplate 11829; non-JBL, single CD, internal amp; off a 2010 FJ Cruiser) off of eBay for just a bit over $60 shipped. The backlighting is orange, like the rest of the interior lighting in my 2003 4Runner (SR5). The fonts and style match the original radio and looks like it originally came in the car. The other radios (non-JBL, internal amplified) listed above should work as well if you wanted to upgrade from your original radio.

The new radio sound is pretty comparable with the old radio, but the new radio bass seems slightly less vs. the original radio, but what can I expect from a stock stereo. It plays my MP3s on CDs and I do like how the newer radio knobs light up with circular rings (old radio knobs were black and stayed black at night). Nice touch of independent bass and treble controls for the FM and CD player portions. All-in-all, the new radio meets my needs.

This guide (step by step, pictorial) is useful for taking apart the console to get to the radio:

How to Remove the Navigation Head Unit from a 2003 Toyota 4Runner

Key helpful information is that you don't have to fully remove the instrument panel finish panel sub-assembly lower--just loosen it with wires attached.

 

[CookieRoe]

Cool

Looks good! Good info too. I'm a fan of keeping things stock as well. (Not very popular around here).

 

[amg_w211]

UPDATE: Another factory radio swap to P/N 86120-35410 (faceplate 11823)

To get MP3 playback capability, I originally bought a radio (non-JBL, single CD; P/N 86120-35401 (faceplate 11829)) that came from a 2010 FJ Cruiser and while the radio worked and looked like stock, I have come to the realization that bass was pretty lacking compared to the original radio in my 2003 4Runner (non-JBL, single CD). I tried lots of bass/treble combinations to no avail (with the radio, CD and MP3 playback) to get the bass levels back up to an acceptable. The bass was lacking so much that I considered adding a subwoofer to the system.

Just for comparison, I bought another used radio ($70 shipped) on eBay from a 2007 4Runner (P/N 86120-35410 (faceplate 11823)). On physical examination the 2007 4Runner and 2010 FJ units look identical, except for the faceplate ID and part number. Nonetheless, I did another swap and here's what I found out:

• 16831 (original 2003 4Runner non-JBL radio, non-MP3): sounds good with decent bass [baseline radio]
• 11829 (original 2010 FJ Cruiser radio, non-JBL, MP3 capable): crisp mids and highs; but bass is pretty flat and lacking compared back to back vs. 16831 and vs. 11823
• 11823 (original 2007 4Runner non-JBL radio, MP3 capable): sounds like my original stock 16831, with a bit improved sound overall (and bass levels at least just as good)

In a nutshell, while the 2010 FJ radio fits and works in my non-JBL 2003 4Runner, it appears to be tuned differently for the FJ cabin acoustics--so don't use it in your 4Runner as it will result in low bass levels. The 4Runner radios are tuned specifically for the 4Runner, so I'd stick with either of the 2 part numbers known to work for optimal tuning of the bass/mids/high frequencies. Now with the 11823 in my car, I'm happy with the stock stereo with MP3 playback and has acceptable bass levels I expect.

 

[Mike72065]

Thanks for posting this thread AMG_w211!

Based on your research I found a used 86120-35410 on ebay from a seller in Hailey, ID forr $70. Three days later I have installed it and I'm good to go. Now I can swap mp3 CD-R's from my tacoma to 4runner.

Love the stock look

 

[amg_w211]

Glad I could help out--enjoy!