5th Gen after market audio install advice, tips, and tricks

[DreamsOfDirt]

I'm installing an aftermarket stereo in the near future and I've started searching the site for details I might not be thinking of or aware of. I've looked through several threads, but most of them are for prior generations. Some of the information is useful regardless of generation, but not all.

This searching, go me thinking: What's your best car audio install advice or tips and tricks. "Best place to run wires"? "Best method for ..."? "You'll want to do xxxx, but don't do that, do this..."

For the record my install will include head unit, speakers, and likely an amp and sub. That said, don't limit your advice to my set up.

Thanks in advance!

 

[97BlackAckCL]

Good post, for amp placement the best place I found was under the passenger seat, for running wires I ran the power over to the passenger side and came under the dash this way.

I also liked how there's a flap under the passenger seat and you can fish the wires from under the door sill, under the carpet and under the passenger seat and the flap keeps things nice and clean

And if you get a short enough amp it will sit and clear very nicely and be nice and stealth

 

[97BlackAckCL]

For the remote and RCA wires from the HU, I ran them down the center console and down under the seat rail

 

[DreamsOfDirt]

Good post, for amp placement the best place I found was under the passenger seat, for running wires I ran the power over to the passenger side and came under the dash this way.

I also liked how there's a flap under the passenger seat and you can fish the wires from under the door sill, under the carpet and under the passenger seat and the flap keeps things nice and clean

And if you get a short enough amp it will sit and clear very nicely and be nice and stealth

Passenger side seems to make sense given your points, and it’s “dead space” where I’ll never put anything else.

Btw, nice looking install. Thanks for the pics, especially on the route for power.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[bigguy02]

Good post, for amp placement the best place I found was under the passenger seat, for running wires I ran the power over to the passenger side and came under the dash this way.

I like everything you said and did, but Id go through that blank grommet that up and to the right.

 

[97BlackAckCL]

I like everything you said and did, but Id go through that blank grommet that up and to the right.

Either works, the one I used dumped it right down the side of the dash which was nice,

I thought about using that blank grommet but this one was super easy to run through as well

 

[tigger]

Not sure how deep into an install you are going but there a few pointers in my build thread. You may have to weed through some sound proofing info.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/207663-tiggers-build-mis-adventures.html#post2150571

 

[DreamsOfDirt]

Not sure how deep into an install you are going but there a few pointers in my build thread. You may have to weed through some sound proofing info.
Tigger's Build and Mis-Adventures - Toyota 4Runner Forum - Largest 4Runner Forum

Thanks for sharing - the pics are fantastic.

 

[str8flexed]

My best tip....

Replacing front doors panels:

Replacing the door panel requires hooking the top of the panel onto the door (into a little crack just inside the window). This was nearly impossible for me and took me forever until I figured out a better way.

It is WAY easier to remove a strip at the top of the door panel (there are a few tabs you just have to pop out) - and hook this part into the door. Then snap the rest of the panel onto the door.

Kind of hard to describe, but when you attempt to do it, come back and read this description!

 

[RusPro17]

I have a local installer that has been doing all my installs for a lot of years. Speaking with him a lot of people are keeping there stock headunit. My last system was in my 2015 Tacoma which I had removed before trading in for my Pro. 4runner. But if I do a install in this I will be keeping my factory headunit. If you have a good installer they can set up your system really awesome even with the factory headunit. That will save you money where you can add the extra cost into better speakers and amps. Also processor to get that good sound.