4th Gen Power-folding Mirror Question

[Duncan]

Has anyone successfully modded their 2003 - 2009 4Runner with power-folding side mirrors similar to the new Highlander? There are a couple of threads on other forums that discuss using a mixture of donor parts from the Sienna, Highlander, and 2010+ 4Runner to accomplish this on an older Highlander. Is the 4Runner mirror mount (part that attaches to the door) close enough in dimensions to the Highlander to do a complete swap? The electronics would be a puzzle in itself, but possible as long as the mechanical pieces can fit.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[BlackWorksInc]

Interesting idea, but it seems like alot of effort for something relatively useless. You also have to keep in mind that a lot of those systems don't like to be manually actuated. (i.e. if you do hit something with your mirror and it folds, chances are you're breaking the mechanism inside also.)

As for the highlander bolt pattern and 4Runner bolt pattern, I don't think the mirrors are the same spacing, I never actually bothered to look. Also, I believe the Highlander mirrors are smaller than the 4Runners. I love how big my mirrors are vs most other SUVs.

 

[TRDCal]

Has anyone successfully modded their 2003 - 2009 4Runner with power-folding side mirrors similar to the new Highlander? There are a couple of threads on other forums that discuss using a mixture of donor parts from the Sienna, Highlander, and 2010+ 4Runner to accomplish this on an older Highlander. Is the 4Runner mirror mount (part that attaches to the door) close enough in dimensions to the Highlander to do a complete swap? The electronics would be a puzzle in itself, but possible as long as the mechanical pieces can fit.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.

I don't know, but where there's a will, there's a way! We've talked about this before, not sure what thread, and I stand by what I suggested then. Look at the jap. version of the 4runner the Hilux Surf. I know that my old corolla had a option for power folding mirrors in Japan but never in North America. Maybe the same for the 4runner.

EDIT: Check out this thread http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/61464-jdm-tyte-yo.html. I know its a 3rd gen but if they had the option, then I'm sure we did.

EDIT 2: Here's whats I was thinking http://www.yotatech.com/f2/4th-gen-auto-folding-power-mirrors-27554/

Interesting idea, but it seems like alot of effort for something relatively useless.

I love how big my mirrors are vs most other SUVs.

I wouldn't say complete useless. I try and get a car wash roughly once a week and one of the "rules" is to fold in you mirrors so I would definately make use of it.

Also I agree with the LOVE for our mirrors, my 4runner is in the shop (getting an exhaust installed) so I was driving my dad's 2001 Protege. Holy **** I don't know what they were thinking when they came up with these mirrors but ill tell yah one thing, they're just for looks...I couldn't see anything thru them.

 

[Duncan]

Actually not useless for me since I would use it daily due to my very narrow garage door.
I considered the JDM route, but since the mirrors are made for "wrong - hand - drive" the angle of the mount is different and the field of view is less than optimal for use in the U.S..

 

[TRDCal]

Actually not useless for me since I would use it daily due to my very narrow garage door.
I considered the JDM route, but since the mirrors are made for "wrong - hand - drive" the angle of the mount is different and the field of view is less than optimal for use in the U.S..

Yah but the general shape might be the same or close enough that you could transfer the JDM mechanical parts to your US mirrors or transfer the US mirror parts to the JDM housings.

I don't know but I think it would be easier to go this route than a completely custom design using Highlander/Sienna parts but either way, let us know how it goes.

 

[ThreeFiveO]

I would recommend researching the LC Prado for this mod. The Prado has folding mirrors and are also available in left hand drive so the orientation of the mirrors would be correct. From the looks of it, the mirrors on the Prado 120, GX-470, and 4Runner are the same dimensions.

A little off topic but I'm overseas in China right now and really wishing I could bring one of the diesels Prado's with me when I return to the US. I guess I'll have to "settle" for the v8. LOL.