"Fit kit" advice for non-JBL install

[T-yota]

Hey guys,

First, as an introduction, I'm a new owner of a used 4th Gen T4R ('04 SR5). The truck is my first non big three vehicle and having grown up in suburban Detroit, it took me a while to get on the bandwagon. Now that I'm here, it was clearly the right move. Although I love the truck, I don't love the factory non-JBL audio system. I'm ready to upgrade and I could really use some help getting the correct fit kit for the install.

Like most of you, I'm very picky about aftermarket modifications and I want to be sure that I get the best fit and finish available. I've read all of the threads that I can find on "fit kits" and I'm still not sure what to do at this point. There seems to be a consensus that the new Sosche kit is the best for JBL equipped vehicles but I haven't found any definitive guidance for a non-JBL install. I want to be sure that the chosen unit doesn't stick out from the dash any further that is absolutely required. I also want the filler material to look as "factory" as possible.

Additional, regarding the system itself, I've kinda set my sights on a Clarion HU and Nav system. I haven't seen these products discussed on the forum but I welcome any opinions both good and bad (I attached links to the products below).

Lastly, although I am still conteplating a DIY project, I'm on the lookout for a good shop in Jacksonville, FL that can handle the install should I chose to go that route, so if anyone has any recommendations, I'd appreciate it.

Any assistance you are able to provide is greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance,

Gene


HU
http://www.clarion.com/us/en/products/2008/multimedia/multimedia_source_unit/MAX685BT/us-en-product-pf_1172385077897.html

NAV
http://www.clarion.com/us/en/products/2008/multimedia/navigation/NAX980HD/us-en-product-pf_1172385078067.html

 

[li_runner]

There is only a single kit that fits 7'' Touchscreens.

http://www.crutchfield.com/App/Product/Item/Main.aspx?g=112200&i=120958202&tp=3121

It is basically 2 plastic filler pieces on either side of the unit, because there is maybe 1-2mm of clearance up/down with that size. You will be re-using the factory brackets so whever they fit on the unit is how the far the unit will be from the dash. This is a per unit criterion as every unit needs different depth to operate whatever functions (open/close) it has. You can't change this.

I can't speak for Clarion (never used the brand) but it does seem a bit expensive as compared to others. I would say the competing units would be the Kenwood DNX 7120, Pioneer AVIC-Z3 and Alipine IVA-W505.

But if you want it... go for it. A close location for the seperate nav unit could be the glove compartment.

 

[T-yota]

Thanks for the info...

So the factory bracket will be maintained and the two small filler pieces are all that is needed? It almost sounds too simple. I guess I need to get my hands on the actual unit before I can determine what the actual HU reveal will be.

The nav unit has an internal gyroscope that requires it to be installed flat. I was thinking of placing it under the passenger seat to allow access to the usb port. Any reason why this would be a bad idea?

I found some reviews of the product on some other sites that ratted it very well for the prices. The prices listed there on the Clarion website are definitely steep, but they are also retail. I have actually found the complete system for half of the listed retail price on a couple of different websites.

In that regard, aside from Crutchfield, has anyone had any good or bad experiences with other internet retailers?

 

[li_runner]

I think your glove compartment has this as well, look above the regular drop down compartment, there is a small flat area that is perfect for something like this. You could put the unit below the seat, if the connecting wire reaches the distance.

The reason I say use the area is because it is close, and it is dry. Well you live in FL, you don't need to worry about a lot of moisture due to snow.

You are correct you will be re-using the factory brackets & need those small plastic filler pieces that attach to the factory brackets as well. Very easy... well yes it is. The unit should not stick out very far. I say if you feel comfortable go ahead and do it yourself.

The only other item you will need is a correct wiring harness to avoid splicing wires all over.

 

[Richierollz]

this is the metra kit, shaved to fit the AVN 6620. I personally went through 3 different kits to find this fit and its still not perfect

<a href="http://s149.photobucket.com/albums/s72/richierollz/T4RUNNER/?action=view&current=PB050015.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s72/richierollz/T4RUNNER/PB050015.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
<a href="http://s149.photobucket.com/albums/s72/richierollz/T4RUNNER/?action=view&current=PB050016.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s72/richierollz/T4RUNNER/PB050016.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
<a href="http://s149.photobucket.com/albums/s72/richierollz/T4RUNNER/?action=view&current=PB050017.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s72/richierollz/T4RUNNER/PB050017.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

 

[A/V1]

Hey guys,

First, as an introduction, I'm a new owner of a used 4th Gen T4R ('04 SR5). The truck is my first non big three vehicle and having grown up in suburban Detroit, it took me a while to get on the bandwagon.

Welcome to the forums. It's a wealth of knowledge, and one thing you'll find is almost everybody is willing to assist you in one way or another. This is a great community that other forums should use as an example to follow.

Additional, regarding the system itself, I've kinda set my sights on a Clarion HU and Nav system. I haven't seen these products discussed on the forum but I welcome any opinions both good and bad (I attached links to the products below).



HU
http://www.clarion.com/us/en/products/2008/multimedia/multimedia_source_unit/MAX685BT/us-en-product-pf_1172385077897.html

NAV
http://www.clarion.com/us/en/products/2008/multimedia/navigation/NAX980HD/us-en-product-pf_1172385078067.html

You can't go wrong if you decide on those Clarion pieces. I studied components and researched companies for many months before deciding on a system to install, and Clarion would have been my first choice if only they had the 685bt when I was looking. When I was looking they really didn't have any good options for bluetooth, and I can't stand the idea of using a parrot BT unit. That wasn't even an option. The nav unit looks incredible, and is a HDD to boot. Sweet!

Clarion is a very reputable company. They have a subsidiary called XANAVI Informatics Corporation, which also supplies OEM equipment to Nissan & Infiniti, as well as others. They Have awesome systems with great user interfaces. Check here: http://www.xanavi.co.jp/company_e.html

If you are wondering where to install the nav unit, above the glove box has been brought up, and is a good option. However, few may realize that the area UNDER the glove box has plenty of install room as well. That half-Din nav unit would probably mount on that trim piece just fine. If you do want to run the cables to the back, you can mount it where the original factory nav location was. If you do this, I also have a false storage door/cover available from a modified storage box. Just another option.

 

[Richierollz]

I agree, Clarion makes a good product. I would have chose the Kenwood if i could go back...ONLY because its the cleanest looking install I've seen so far. I personally went through 3 different kits and my Eclipse still isnt a perfect fit! but, Im happy with the AVN. In the end for what you spend, I think they all do the same thing....

 

[pipspeak]

The two trim kits that are designed for the 4runner are the metra (quoted in second post above) and a similar one by Scosche (TA1465) . I have the metra one and it's a piece of crap. Even for two bits of plastic they couldnt have done a worse job -- crummy finish and one of mine was warped. Not worth $2, let alone $10. I'm gonna try the scosche next