2008 Sport non-JBL Stereo Upgrade - Can you check my plan? Any recommendations?

[alliemac9]

I was searching for a low mile V8 to replace my 2013. Turns out I found one locally just an hour after selling my 2013 and bought it last night. The only "must have" that I had to compromise on was the factory navigation. I wanted that for three primary reasons:

1. Better stereo system w/JBL amp (we have an '05 with the 10 speaker JBL and it sounds great to us)
2. I really got used to the bluetooth steering wheel buttons on the 2013 and wanted that functionality again
3. I got spoiled by the backup camera and wanted that as well

I don't care that much about nav. I would use it if I had it, but am used to using my iphone.

The 2008 currently has a 1-DIN Alpine deck in it. The prior (original) owner of the 2008 said he replaced it because the factory stereo was the lowest quality one. Oddly, on my test drive, the stereo worked fine. However, while driving home certain speakers cut out/in when I hit bumps, etc. I would have been bummed except I was factoring in an upgrade when I decided to buy it.

I found lots of info on this forum about adding the right steering wheel buttons, etc., so that factored into my willingness to compromise. I still have no idea what head unit I want to buy, and am open to suggestions (see below). I will say I have an Alpine in another vehicle and find it the most difficult and counter-intuitive stereo I've ever used. I need to find/download the manual to see if that helps. Anyway...

I'm planning to order a color-keyed grill for the 2008, so I wanted to buy the radio components I need as well to only pay one shipping fee for Toyota parts. Can you check my list to see if I'm off track on anything?

Planned:
1. Right Steering Wheel Buttons (84244-35030-B0)
2. Crossover Ribbon Cable (84204-58010)
3. UrbanRunner Trim Piece (PZ36535904)

Questions:
1. OEM Microphone (86730-35020) - Can I buy/use this? Or do I need to go aftermarket and mount on the steering column?
2. Backup Camera (?) - Should I go OEM or after market? I assume the wiring will not already be in place? Am open to recommendations on backup camera.
3. Head Unit - Any recommendations? I've started looking, but am not certain how to compare/evaluate. Here are my thoughts...
-I prefer quality over budget.
-Not a fan of a current Alpine I have, nor the Alpine deck currently in this T4R.
-I think I had a Kenwood once (paired with a Rio Empeg in a prior T4R) that I really liked, but am not brand loyal at this point.
-Definitely want all the stereo and bluetooth steering wheel buttons to work.
-Would like voice commands/compatibility with iphone.
-Would like CD/MP3 capability, a CD changer would be even better.
-Can I tie the AUX to the AUX input in center console?
-I'd like touch screen.
-Would like traffic info without satellite subscription, if that exists.
4. Speakers/Sub - I figure I'll start with upgrading the HU and see how the speakers sound. Seems like that's been the advice per the research I've done so far. Any other things I should consider relative to this? I would like the car to sound good - like our 05 JBL (or better). However, I'm not prepared to lose cargo space to the stereo mods. Would like everything to be hidden.

Thanks in advance for any advice!!

 

[YetiX]

The only questions I can definitely answer are regarding the oem microphone and the buttons. If you're using an aftermarket head unit, you'll need to use its microphone. I looked into it when I upgraded my stereo.

Those are the same part nos I ordered when I added the BT buttons to my wheel. It was really easy to do.

I went with a JVC touchscreen unit and the PAC SI-RC steering wheel kit from Crutchfield. Everything works great and sounds pretty good too and Crutchfield's tech support was helpful when I had a question. I really like having the steering wheel buttons for the BT, it's very convenient.

My next step will be to upgrade the speakers to something a little higher quality and figure a way to put an aftermarket sub and amp in the stock sub location.

 

[alliemac9]

Thanks for the verification, YetiX!

One thing I should add - I don't care about satellite radio, either. If I am going to get nav, I'd prefer something with traffic data that doesn't require a satellite radio subscription. Does that exist?

 

[Ap2Runner]

So I recently purchased a 4runner as well. First thing Im going to do is like you, switch out the audio. One of the speakers is blown out so I wanted to go ahead and switch out with a new HU and new speakers all around.

For starters I went with the following:

Sony Sony XAV-64BT - its a double din, under $300, has bluetooth, 52Wx4 output which is a bit more than other leading brands, always been a sony fan, and looks fancy.

Speakers I went with Polk audio db651s. Theyre 6.5" speakers and from what I read and see so far, the fronts are 6x9 and few aftermarkets dont fit into the 6x9? If someone could verify that, but I bought the adapters that will fit onto the 6x9 and can mount the 6.5"

What I want to know is does all 4runners come with a 8" sub in the back with amp? If so I was thinking about upgrading the sub as well with JL audio.

Also, I bought this 4runner that already had an aftermarket HU, and not entirely sure if it came with the stock JBL system and whether it came with or without RDS. Any way to check on that?
Any input or suggestions would be great in terms for speakers and subs. Not looking to rattle the entire car either, looking for clean bumps without sacrificing mids n highs.

 

[alliemac9]

Hey Ap2Runner,
Thanks for the info. I'll tell you what I think I know about the amp/sub issue....

I think only the JBL systems had an amp and sub. My 08 has a storage compartment on the right side of the cargo area where my 05 does not (because it has JBL). Google "4Runner JBL amp location" and you'll see pics of where the amp and sub are. If you have a storage compartment there, you don't have JBL. At least, that's my understanding.

I got the factory radio from the seller...not sure if it will do any good or not, but I've read about people searching for the right mounting brackets, so I figured I'd hang onto it until I am done with the project.

 

[cpark_12]

As far as speakers go, are you gonna power them with an amp or just power them off the H/U?

 

[Chupto]

I just bought this for mine:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00NPM37U0/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Bought the ODB2 and the rear camera. It will all be here in less than two weeks. I can't wait.

Works with steering controls if you have them, built in mic, reviews are great.

 

[alliemac9]

As far as speakers go, are you gonna power them with an amp or just power them off the H/U?

Not sure. Open to suggestions?

 

[cpark_12]

Not sure. Open to suggestions?

Depends on what kind of sound you're looking for. I always say the speakers should go through an amp and not the head unit. You don't have to worry about distortion when cranking it up and you keep that clear sound as loud as you want it as long as you have quality speakers. I like Infinity and Alpine as far as speakers go.

 

[salong53]

Depends on what kind of sound you're looking for. I always say the speakers should go through an amp and not the head unit. You don't have to worry about distortion when cranking it up and you keep that clear sound as loud as you want it as long as you have quality speakers. I like Infinity and Alpine as far as speakers go.

I agree with this if you love to crank your music. Nothing will compare to a system with nice speakers powered by an amp. Plus, if you're looking at a sub down the road, you might as well have an amp. Getting into this though, some sound dampening material may be necessary. (vehicles basically have the acoustics of a tin can with some plastic bits rattling around inside)

If you want to go the cheaper route and simply match the quality of the JBL factory system, a good set of component speakers in the front doors and 2-ways in the rear powered by the head unit will probably sound just as good. You could still add a sub and/or amp down the road if you wanted.

I also suggest Crutchfield. Great customer service, very good prices, fast shipping, and good installation instructions with your purchase.

 

[salong53]

What I want to know is does all 4runners come with a 8" sub in the back with amp? If so I was thinking about upgrading the sub as well with JL audio.

Also, I bought this 4runner that already had an aftermarket HU, and not entirely sure if it came with the stock JBL system and whether it came with or without RDS. Any way to check on that?
Any input or suggestions would be great in terms for speakers and subs. Not looking to rattle the entire car either, looking for clean bumps without sacrificing mids n highs.

Only ones with the factory JBL system came with a sub. If your door speaker guards say JBL then it did. Other 4runners with the lower quality system have a storage compartment in place of the sub in the rear right panel in the cargo area. Not sure about RDS, but if you're redoing the system, I doubt that matters much. Buying an RDS compatible head unit will reduce your options.

 

[pparrett]

I just went through this with my 06. I settled on Kicker Speakers based on their performance vs price and built a custom subwoofer enclosure to retain the truck space. I'm extremely pleased with the results and would highly recommend you replace the stock speakers in addition to the head unit.

Pioneer MVH-X560BT Digital Media Receiver
Kicker DS35 3.5" 2-Way Front Doors
Kicker DS693 6"x9" 3-Way Front Doors
Kicker 11DS60 6.5-inch 2-way Rear Doors
Kicker 10C124 Comp 12-Inch Subwoofer

Details and Pics Here:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/175749-pparretts-06-v8-4wd-sr5-build-2.html

 

[alliemac9]

I just went through this with my 06.

That is a hard core upgrade! Nice! I'll take some notes...

 

[alliemac9]

In general response to the input provided so far...

1. I guess I assumed the 10 Speakers + Amp + Sub was part of what made the JBL six disk system from my '05 sound so good. Could I get away with an upgrad to the HU and new speakers in just the same spots? Note: I have dogs (and I value my own hearing), so I like to turn it up sometimes, but I don't need to go crazy.

2. I take it there are no amps that could be fit into the storage box I have on my non-JBL T4R (i.e. the right side of cargo bay where JBL systems have no storage). I haven't seen anyone do a mod like this in my research so far. Is this because there are no components small enough to fit, or because most people who would bother with this mod want performance that exceeds that provided by components that would fit there?

3. I am intrigued enough to do the HU install on my own, but running wiring everywhere sounds above my pay grade. I'm not certain I know the best routing through a vehicle to hide wires. Based on this does it make sense to do the HU first, see how it goes, and if I do more have a shop do it? Or do I need to decide up front if I'm going with an amp (and maybe sub)? Also, if anyone is in the Denver area - know any good shops to recommend for this?

4. Per #3, I may do at least some of this myself. Dumb question: can I buy a pack of those clips used to hold the dash and stuff on to replace the ones I'll inevitably break? What do I call those to look for on amazon or elsewhere?

5. Also, the current system oddly has speakers drop in/out, sometimes when hitting bumps and sometimes randomly. Also, on my way somewhere yesterday the radio was tuned to a station and seemed fine, when I got back in the car an hour later to drive home, there was no reception. Same channel....I didn'tt touch it. Do these things all sound like loose connections that will likely be resolved upon replacing the HU? Or symptoms of a bigger problem?

6. The current system also makes this high-pitched whistling sound that changes pitch with the RPM of the engine. The last used vehicle I bought with aftermarket audio did the same thing. What causes this? How do I avoid this when I do my upgrade? It is super annoying...

 

[YetiX]

See comments in red.

In general response to the input provided so far...

1. I guess I assumed the 10 Speakers + Amp + Sub was part of what made the JBL six disk system from my '05 sound so good. Could I get away with an upgrad to the HU and new speakers in just the same spots? Note: I have dogs (and I value my own hearing), so I like to turn it up sometimes, but I don't need to go crazy. I have dogs too and that's what I did/am doing.

2. I take it there are no amps that could be fit into the storage box I have on my non-JBL T4R (i.e. the right side of cargo bay where JBL systems have no storage). I haven't seen anyone do a mod like this in my research so far. Is this because there are no components small enough to fit, or because most people who would bother with this mod want performance that exceeds that provided by components that would fit there? I found a stock sub and amp for sale on here. I plan to just replace the amp and sub in the factory bracket and wire them to my HU.

3. I am intrigued enough to do the HU install on my own, but running wiring everywhere sounds above my pay grade. I'm not certain I know the best routing through a vehicle to hide wires. Based on this does it make sense to do the HU first, see how it goes, and if I do more have a shop do it? Or do I need to decide up front if I'm going with an amp (and maybe sub)? Also, if anyone is in the Denver area - know any good shops to recommend for this? You can definitely do the HU and speakers first and see how you like it. If you later decide you need more, it won't be a problem. Doing the HU and speakers is very easy, especially if you go with Crutchfield because they give such good instructions.

4. Per #3, I may do at least some of this myself. Dumb question: can I buy a pack of those clips used to hold the dash and stuff on to replace the ones I'll inevitably break? What do I call those to look for on amazon or elsewhere? I've pulled my T4R's dash apart many times and have never broken any clips. Compared to other brands I've worked with, Toyota uses very few clips in assembling things and the clips they do use are sturdy.

5. Also, the current system oddly has speakers drop in/out, sometimes when hitting bumps and sometimes randomly. Also, on my way somewhere yesterday the radio was tuned to a station and seemed fine, when I got back in the car an hour later to drive home, there was no reception. Same channel....I didn'tt touch it. Do these things all sound like loose connections that will likely be resolved upon replacing the HU? Or symptoms of a bigger problem? To me, yes that's exactly what it wounds like, loose connections.

6. The current system also makes this high-pitched whistling sound that changes pitch with the RPM of the engine. The last used vehicle I bought with aftermarket audio did the same thing. What causes this? How do I avoid this when I do my upgrade? It is super annoying... The stereo isn't grounded properly and it's getting interference from the alternator. That's why the pitch rises and falls with the revs. I agree, it's super annoying. I haven't ever had that happen when I used quality components for the install and followed good instructions. It's only happened when it monkey f'd a stereo together. Again, (do I sound like a broken record here?) using the Crutchfield stuff and instructions, you get good quality stuff and should not get the feedback.

If you do, there are ways to add resistors(?) to your wiring or to shield the alternator. But it should not be necessary. My guess is that when you pull the Alpine out of your dash you'll see if was not installed/hooked up very well.

 

[salong53]

To add to [MENTION=114745]YetiX[/MENTION], I agree with everything he's said. I installed my HU myself (first time ever working on car audio by myself) and it was very easy with the Crutchfield instructions. The panels are really easy to remove in the 4Runner. I've had my dash off minimum 10 times because of a faulty amp issue that took me forever to track down, and I've never damaged any clips or fasteners.

It would be a good idea to get a cheap soldering iron from Harbor Freight or somewhere and solder your HU wiring harness rather than use crimp connectors. Soldering is really easy if you've never done it, and it prevents wires from being pulled apart during installation.

 

[alliemac9]

Thanks, everyone, for the input!

As an update...went to a couple stores today to check out the options. From a usability standpoint, the Pioneer decks seemed best for us. So, I quickly did some internet research and purchased the Pioneer AVIC-8000NEX on amazon. I think the Crutchfield recommendation/advice is very good, but I couldn't justify it given a savings of more than $500 on amazon.

The plan now is to install this HU and see how things sound then decide weather to take the next steps (speaker upgrade, then amp+sub install).

I still need a backup cam, if anyone has recommendations.

I have a specific question about the stock JBL amp/sub enclosure. Am I misunderstanding the parts diagram in assuming that Toyota 86150-0W080 and/or 86150-0W090 (SPEAKER ASSY, W/BOX) include the enclosure, the sub and the amp? If it includes all these things, could I just buy this, install it, and start with the JBL amp+sub? Will it work with the Pioneer deck I ordered? Seems like the simplest, non-fabrication (some cutting of trim required) way to get closer to the 10 speaker JBl system I enjoyed in my '05. Thoughts? Am I missing something? I recognize that in terms of bang for buck, these JBL components may not be as good as other options, but buying the stock enclosure on EBay costs more than ordering it through Toyota parts (again, maybe I misunderstand the image in thinking the sub+amp will be attached??) so if I want as factory an install as possible, is this a viable option?

 

[gshadow325]

Thanks, everyone, for the input!

As an update...went to a couple stores today to check out the options. From a usability standpoint, the Pioneer decks seemed best for us. So, I quickly did some internet research and purchased the Pioneer AVIC-8000NEX on amazon. I think the Crutchfield recommendation/advice is very good, but I couldn't justify it given a savings of more than $500 on amazon.

I own a 12v electronics store. Amazon is NOT a authorized retailer. Crutchfield offers a warranty, parts needed for your install and directions for your install.

I would have went with a kenwood excelon dnx891hd instead. 2 year warranty and remote control included. much better quality of sound, more control over the audio settings AND its garmin navigation vs pioneer's own version of navigation.

I was searching for a low mile V8 to replace my 2013. Turns out I found one locally just an hour after selling my 2013 and bought it last night. The only "must have" that I had to compromise on was the factory navigation. I wanted that for three primary reasons:

1. Better stereo system w/JBL amp (we have an '05 with the 10 speaker JBL and it sounds great to us)
sounds great when its working, i dumped it a while ago
2. I really got used to the bluetooth steering wheel buttons on the 2013 and wanted that functionality again
You can, you will need a steering wheel control module also. metra, pac, and ads all make different ones
3. I got spoiled by the backup camera and wanted that as well
you can, i have a front, rear and right turn side camera

I don't care that much about nav. I would use it if I had it, but am used to using my iphone.
Iphone blah....try this, navigate to a destination and then get a phone call and talk on it the entire trip to your destination because you know grandma wants to talk forever! LOL

The 2008 currently has a 1-DIN Alpine deck in it. The prior (original) owner of the 2008 said he replaced it because the factory stereo was the lowest quality one. Oddly, on my test drive, the stereo worked fine. However, while driving home certain speakers cut out/in when I hit bumps, etc. I would have been bummed except I was factoring in an upgrade when I decided to buy it.

I found lots of info on this forum about adding the right steering wheel buttons, etc., so that factored into my willingness to compromise. I still have no idea what head unit I want to buy, and am open to suggestions (see below). I will say I have an Alpine in another vehicle and find it the most difficult and counter-intuitive stereo I've ever used. I need to find/download the manual to see if that helps. Anyway...

I'm planning to order a color-keyed grill for the 2008, so I wanted to buy the radio components I need as well to only pay one shipping fee for Toyota parts. Can you check my list to see if I'm off track on anything?

Planned:
1. Right Steering Wheel Buttons (84244-35030-B0)
2. Crossover Ribbon Cable (84204-58010)
3. UrbanRunner Trim Piece (PZ36535904)

why do you need this trim piece? FYI, center bezel is different in a limited vs a SR5/sport. i havent figured out why the urban runner trim piece is nedded yet.

Questions:
1. OEM Microphone (86730-35020) - Can I buy/use this? Or do I need to go aftermarket and mount on the steering column?
You can go OEM if you knew someone to modify the wiring for you to work on the replacement radio. you can do the aftermarket on steering colum also
2. Backup Camera (?) - Should I go OEM or after market? I assume the wiring will not already be in place? Am open to recommendations on backup camera.
aftermarket would yield you many more options and add in parking guide lines also. i import a private label unit that i have been using for the last 4 years
3. Head Unit - Any recommendations? I've started looking, but am not certain how to compare/evaluate. Here are my thoughts...
-I prefer quality over budget.
-Not a fan of a current Alpine I have, nor the Alpine deck currently in this T4R.
-I think I had a Kenwood once (paired with a Rio Empeg in a prior T4R) that I really liked, but am not brand loyal at this point.
-Definitely want all the stereo and bluetooth steering wheel buttons to work.
-Would like voice commands/compatibility with iphone.
-Would like CD/MP3 capability, a CD changer would be even better.
pioneer, kenwood and alpine have stopped manufacturing cd changers for many years now
-Can I tie the AUX to the AUX input in center console?
i can do it, lol
-I'd like touch screen.
99.9% of the double dins out there are touch panel
-Would like traffic info without satellite subscription, if that exists.
4. Speakers/Sub - I figure I'll start with upgrading the HU and see how the speakers sound. Seems like that's been the advice per the research I've done so far. Any other things I should consider relative to this? I would like the car to sound good - like our 05 JBL (or better). However, I'm not prepared to lose cargo space to the stereo mods. Would like everything to be hidden.
there are 1000's of threads on this topic. but what i did to conserve space..kenwood 5 channel amp x900.5 under passenger seat. replaced the oem JBL with a thin pioneer sub. i would suggest buying a used oem sub box and swap the sub out.

Thanks in advance for any advice!!

Kenwood has superior bluetooth and nav. parrot and garmin. traffic is subscription based with garmin's smartphone link.
You are sooo missing out on a wealth of feature by buying the pioneer.
look at this idatalink maestro steering wheel control/ vehilce interface
iDatalink - Maestro - Maestro RR

this cool little doohickey can reset CEL codes, read info from the vehicle and add a second layer of commands to your steering wheel controls.

but you bought the pioneer oh well

 

[pparrett]

Check out the size of the magnet on the stock 6x9's.