Aftermarket NAV for 2003 4Runner?

[testrider]

HI all,

Since mine didn't come with the NAV option, I'm thinking of getting one installed. Should I get the OEM Toyota one or is there a good aftermarket NAV that's comparable to the OEM? Is the dealer the only place I can get an OEM nav? How hard is it to install it? Plug and play?
Thank you for any info.

-Mike-

 

[Good Times]

Hey Mike:

Welcome to this forum too! hehe, Also nice to hear that you got a v8 sr5!!! what color do you have?

Nav- just get an aftermarket one, you won't regret it at all, plus change your radio in the process too.... two for one deal (ofcourse it won't be cheap)

Here's some other helpful sites for forums since I know you're new:

www.toyota-4runner.org
www.yotatech.com
www.outdoorwire.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=forum&f=13
www.tundrasolutions.com

Let the mod's begin.. If you want to do the rear diff mod, there is a write up here so take a look.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=123

Enjoy!

Lance

 

[testrider]

Hey Lance! You're all over the web, huh?

Thanks for the pointer.

Mine is Titanium, SR5. The V8 and 5-speed trans were the 2 things that attracted me to the 2003 4Runner in the 1st place I just absolutely love it! (Even though I only drove it for about 100 miles since I bought it)

I saw the rear diff mod. Thanks. I had a full size Ford Bronco before I bought the 4Runner and I had the similar mod for it: both front and rear diff breather extended way up. Don't forget the transfer case breather too (I don't know if 4Runner has a short breather on the xfer case, my Bronco did and you'll need to extend that one too).

I wasn't a hard core 4wheeler but I did take my Bronco offroad whenever I could. However, this time I got only a 2WD 4Runner though...

-Mike-

 

[Good Times]

The front diff breather can be found in the engine bay... But you don't have one so no need to worry there.

The center one, I can't find where it goes... haven't really checked myself as from what I rem, toyota does move the front and center up to the engine bay... the rear always stayed on the diff itself... (dunno why...)

Yeah, i'm lurking everywhere, looking for parts to mod etc etc ... hehe

It being 4wd, i'm looking for lifiting parts so I can regain some lost height

Lance

 

[Thai]

Testrider,

Unfortunately, only ONE aftermarket NAVI system is comparable to the Toyota system. Kenwood makes a good DVD-based navi that is TOUCH-SCREEN. All other aftermarket units are joystick-based (Alpine, Pioneer, etc.)...that is, you cannot select options by touching the screen. Kenwood costs around $3000-4000 depending on headunit choice.

In terms of ease of operation, Toyota system is still #1. Aftermarket units tend to be complex in operation.

If possible (and economical), go for the Toyota NAVI unit. Kenwood would be my second choice.

Magellan also makes a navi system (similar to Hertz rental car). It is hard-drive-based...so no CDs or DVDs. It covers all US and Canada well. It costs around $2000. Some say it is more complete than DVDs, because harddrives store more info than DVD. I plan on getting one soon. I like my 6-disc-indash CD changer on my '02 4Runner.

On the 3rd gen, you can see the front diff and transfer case breather tubes in the engine bay. On the 4th gen, i ONLY see the front diff. The TC tube must be somewhere else.

Hope this helps.

 

[Neech]

I would go with an aftermarket unit only b/c I believe anything sounds better than the stock radio Toyota uses. I changed out mine for the Pioneer and it sounds 10x better even with the stock speakers. The installer actually made this observation and when I heard it, I couldn't believe how good it sounded.

JMHO

 

[testrider]

Thanks Thai and thanks Neech,

But $3000-$4000 is way over what I'm willing to spend at this moment. I was hoping that I could get something for < $2000. It's not something I desperately need now but I do love all gadgets

I'll probably stay away from hard drive in a 4Runner as I really don't believe that HD would survive very long in vibration

Anybody knows who made Toyota's OEM Nav that they installed in the 2003 4Runner?

Also, for those who have Toyota NAV, where did they installed the GPS antenna ?

=Mike=

 

[Thai]

Toyota/Lexus navi units are made by Denso. Denso makes a lot of electronics for Toyota.

 

[pbm317]

OEM GPS

I would have liked to add the OEM system to my truck as well, but my dealer told me that it is currently only a factory option, available only on the Limited models right now. The GPS system itself is located in the back cargo area, on the passenger side wheel well area, in place of the small cubby there.

 

[testrider]

I looked around on the web, read some reviews and it seems that the Pioneer NAV-SYS900 is in my price range (about $1900 on the web) and got good reviews. It came with the dual DIN: the motorized monitor screen and the GPS/CD/AM/FM. Anybody knows how easy/hard is it to install? It needs to be connected to the vehicle speed sensor output (for it to calculate speed when GPS signal is lost), emergency brake light switch etc...). For those who has the 2003 4Runner shop manual, could you check to see if these wired are behind the factory CD/radio compartment?

Thanks.
-Mike-

 

[4Runner2003]

Hey Testrider,

One point you want to focus on is the speed of the NAV system. For example on Hertz rentals, the Magellan system is kinda slow. For example, I just was using the Magellan NAV in the rental car this week, and there were several quick turns that were required to go where I needed to go. The NAV system was was still telling me to turn right when I already was 2 turns ahead of it.

When I test drove the 2003 4Runner, the speed of the system was much better. I can not comment on the other brands, but definately do as much research as you can so you will be happy with the NAV system you choose.

Scott

 

[scottara]

What ya think of this Garmin?

Has anyone used or tested the Garmin StreetPilot III? This looks really nice, has a big color screen and has a ton of features. Just not sure how quick it is...

 

[Thai]

I think StreetPilot III is PC-based. That is, you download a section that you're traveling and then it routes it for you. It is probably useful in city. However, cross-country trip is limited because the handheld unit can only hold so much memory...which means that you will need to bring a laptop with you on trips.

 

[geoffreyomar]

I think you may want to look into the new Eclipse AVN 5435 series. It will cost you roughly around $2200 w/rearview camera. It is a double-din unit which should place perfectly into the slot. If not, you can purchase a custom kit from the aftermarket. I hope this work for you!

 

[dareames]

Thanks Thai and thanks Neech,

But $3000-$4000 is way over what I'm willing to spend at this moment. I was hoping that I could get something for < $2000. It's not something I desperately need now but I do love all gadgets

Anybody knows who made Toyota's OEM Nav that they installed in the 2003 4Runner?

Also, for those who have Toyota NAV, where did they installed the GPS antenna ?

=Mike=

Mike....I installed the Camry NAV in my 05 4Runner with XM Radio tuner that works through the NAV for right at $2000. $1600 for NAV, $100 for amp and $290 for XM tuner. I installed the GPS antenna in the dash behind the radio as far forward as it would go. Excellent reception. I'm usually hitting 7 satellites. I just liked the stock look of the Toyota NAV over aftermarket NAVs. Functionality is great....not much out there beats it, in my opinion.

Doug

 

[JB.]

IF you, perhaps, want something portable that also does a fine job as a mobile unit, I just purchased and took a trip with a Garmin Quest. It's definitely a compromise over an in-dash unit, but if portability and $ savings matter to you, I can report it works very well.

 

[NYFINEST]

Excellent Portable GPS Units

While i am jealous of the OEM Nav in the 05 i couldnt afford the luxury!!! I opted for a portable model the Tom Tom Go. Originally the best selling model in Europe its was released here last year. I can vouch for its preciseness/ease of use/excellent design. Price has come down from 1000 to about 600 on Ebay. Prior to that i had the Garmin Street Pilot 2610 also a good piece of electronics. Just my 2 cents. If anyone has a question regarding either model as an alternative to the OEM Nav i'd be more than glad to help. Still jealous though!!!!! :arrow: