Considering replacing sunroof assembly, looking for advice

[Rocket61]

Considering replacing sunroof housing, looking for advice

So now that things have slowed down and it's nice outside I thought I'd finally take on this project. For the last few years my sunroof has been constantly rattling, grinding when opening closing, leaking and overall just being a *****. I know there are TSBs out there for a few of the problems but at this point I just want to get the whole thing replaced and get rid of the headache. I'm considering ordering a complete new housing assembly and using my existing motor and glass. Based on the diagram in the link below, I'm looking at #8

HOUSING for 2007 Toyota 4Runner|63201-35090

So, for the advice part. Is this a good idea? Is this as simple as taking down the headliner, pulling the old assembly out, swapping the glass from the old to the new housing, and bolting it back up there? And for the headliner, does the whole thing need to be dropped or is it possible just to drop the front have and have adequate access to the sunroof assembly?

 

[swiftneed]

Sunroof

headliner actually has to be removed along with the wires from the cabin light and front upper part where the sunroof buttons are, the wire are semi glued to the headliner so be careful removing the headliner and unplug as you go along removal , then the plastic brackets on sides of the sunroof inside,Remove glass and a lot of small screws and molding for headliner. I had a friend help me, I can remember but I believe it was easier to buy a full replacement and install it from scrapyard. PIA but saves you quite a bit of money. I don't have any pics of the work I will check though

 

[Rocket61]

headliner actually has to be removed along with the wires from the cabin light and front upper part where the sunroof buttons are, the wire are semi glued to the headliner so be careful removing the headliner and unplug as you go along removal , then the plastic brackets on sides of the sunroof inside,Remove glass and a lot of small screws and molding for headliner. I had a friend help me, I can remember but I believe it was easier to buy a full replacement and install it from scrapyard. PIA but saves you quite a bit of money. I don't have any pics of the work I will check though

I'd really appreciate if you could check for those pics. I've considered going the scrapyard route but I'm concerned that a used assembly may have the same issues (eventually) that I'm currently experiencing. So the fact that I can buy the whole housing new is whats pulling me that way.

as for the headliner, was it difficult to remove and put back up? which plastic trim pieces did you have to remove to get it down? I was hoping to be able to leave the trunk plastic pillars and avoid having to remove them.

 

[swiftneed]

headliner

the headliner is like a cardboard you don't want to bend it that much,you can crease it and see it later there are some write ups and its on the manual I am sure you have seen them get the print an go with it if i find pics i will send it you . I removed my headliner out the back with a friend pulling it back once it was dropped. your going to want to clean the corners where the white plastic pieces let the water out, use a hanger an air compressor,. The pillars and the rear also have to be pulled out , i think you can get away without taking out the rear just the top rear remove there are plastic clips and i believe some screws holding that headliner all the way to the rear yep sucks its not a clip on so remember what goes where the rear cargo light has a screw that has to be removed same as the sun visors .just look at that whole edge its not a one day thing unless you have friends that have done it. the junkyard way is ok and you get extra parts incase., but unless you know exactly what it is get the whole thing. the glass on the inside edge of the rubber gets rusty so you have to check that if its used 2003 to 2007 or 8 I believe are the same. the two little plastic edges on the side to get to the correct screws to remove the glass just pry off with a screwdriver carefully they are black and expose the track in the inside