I am making this post from my personal experience in replacing the HU in my 2004 Sport. I ordered the Alpine cda 7995 from Crutchfield and they gave me the American International install kit. I used the kit at first but was not happy with the quality or the looks. The pocket was warped and did not make a clean install. Just today I replaced that kit with the kit from Metra. The no. is 99-8206. I called and got that no. directly from Metra. It says on the kit that it is for a 2001 Highlander and Tundra but it will fit the 4Runner. It will fit the SR5 and the Sport models but not the Limited. Just thought everyone would like to know.
For those replacing factory HU in 03-04
- Thread starter BAMAJAS
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hey bamajas,
So the Metra kit fits a lot better than the AI kit?
I've brought my 03 4runner Limited (w/ JBL 10 spkr) in to a local stereo shop twice and both times they said they couldn't make the AI kit fit. They said there would be a half inch gap on both sides because the factory head unit was so wide. I've never seen pictures of the AI kit in a Limited but I've seen several Sports with it and it looks like it fits fine. As far as I know, the Limited and the Sport have the same dash size opening so I don't see why it wouldn't fit.
I've had this Alpine 9813 sitting here for over month waiting to get installed but still no luck. Maybe I should try another shop or give that Metra kit a shot...
So the Metra kit fits a lot better than the AI kit?
I've brought my 03 4runner Limited (w/ JBL 10 spkr) in to a local stereo shop twice and both times they said they couldn't make the AI kit fit. They said there would be a half inch gap on both sides because the factory head unit was so wide. I've never seen pictures of the AI kit in a Limited but I've seen several Sports with it and it looks like it fits fine. As far as I know, the Limited and the Sport have the same dash size opening so I don't see why it wouldn't fit.
I've had this Alpine 9813 sitting here for over month waiting to get installed but still no luck. Maybe I should try another shop or give that Metra kit a shot...
Could you give me a general idea what is involved in installing the head unit?
By that I mean, does one need to learn how to pop off clipped on trim, etc. Are there tools designed for that? Your photo with most of the center of the dash removed is quite intimidating.
I have a DIN Kenwood receiver I would like to use.
Initially, I will just replace the HU, then do speakers, etc. later on.
I have an 04 SR5. Just brought it home a few days ago.
By that I mean, does one need to learn how to pop off clipped on trim, etc. Are there tools designed for that? Your photo with most of the center of the dash removed is quite intimidating.
I have a DIN Kenwood receiver I would like to use.
Initially, I will just replace the HU, then do speakers, etc. later on.
I have an 04 SR5. Just brought it home a few days ago.
There are no special tools for prying up the trim panels. Just take your time and you will be fine. It was intimidating for me at first when I took all the panels off but there's really nothing to it. If you can get your hands on a repair manual from the dealer it will show you how to do everything. Just go to the dealer you bought the rig from and ask the service manager if you make some copies out of the book. That's what I did. Good luck.
I bought the Metra kit and am just waiting to buy the rest before installing. The metra kit install is similar to the stock base stereo installation that is recessed back a bit. If you have the limited, as myself, the headunit protrudes out more so the face of the headunit is acutally very close to the face of the surrounding trim piece.
I guess this is my only beef about the Metra install kit is that is recesses back....but if you look at some of the other installs...I think it looks fine. So, in a sense, the installer is correct in saying that the Metra kit does not fit the Limited install to give you a flush install. But if you can live with it recessed a bit....you are set with the Metra kit.
Here is an option....expensive one...but....you could pull the surrounding trim piece, have the unit installed in the factory location using a modified Metra kit so the headunit sticks out a bit further.....then have the trim piece fiberglasses and then painted to match.....and BINGO....you'd have one very trick install.
so this:
or this (so it's a MDX..you get the idea):
I guess this is my only beef about the Metra install kit is that is recesses back....but if you look at some of the other installs...I think it looks fine. So, in a sense, the installer is correct in saying that the Metra kit does not fit the Limited install to give you a flush install. But if you can live with it recessed a bit....you are set with the Metra kit.
Here is an option....expensive one...but....you could pull the surrounding trim piece, have the unit installed in the factory location using a modified Metra kit so the headunit sticks out a bit further.....then have the trim piece fiberglasses and then painted to match.....and BINGO....you'd have one very trick install.
so this:
or this (so it's a MDX..you get the idea):
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Good Times
New member
I've had the first set of the American International trim kit and it fit perfectly. No deformation or anything what so ever. It could be because I have the sr5 model and not the limited or se.
Good Times
New member
rabeet said:
I picked up mine at Best Buy and I believe that's the one I got.
If it doesn't work, you can always return it anyway.
Good Times
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rabeet said:
Indeed, it should be correct. I believe toyota only has 1 harness anyway. One that's very old and one that's more recent but still fairly old.
Toyota I believe has not changed their wiring harness for the radios in years so it should work fine.
My understanding is that the Limited JBL system has a different plug on the 03' and later models. So if anyone out there has replaced this HU and is aware of the part number/manufacturer of a harness, this would be a big help. Non-JBL systems should have the standard harness.....this is the same HU as my wife's 02' Sienna....you should have no problem finding a harness from Metra.
