Getting ready to DIY my first head unit, advice?

[DWilliam]

I’m installing a Sony CarPlay, and I’m going to order the harness (Metra 70-1761?) from Crutchfield. Not sure if I have a factory amp or not (2002 sR5). Pretty simple? Pop the dash trim off, remove factory amp if I have it? Then plug and play?

Hoping I don’t get everything off and realize I can’t finish the job.

 

[prybar]

Head unit installs are pretty easy. You shouldn't need to mess with the amp unless you're adding your own. Pretty much just connect all the wires and you should be good to go!

 

[DWilliam]

Head unit installs are pretty easy. You shouldn't need to mess with the amp unless you're adding your own. Pretty much just connect all the wires and you should be good to go!

Thanks! What about adding front door speakers? Pretty straight forward?

 

[phattyduck]

Pretty simple? Pop the dash trim off, remove factory amp if I have it? Then plug and play?

You may also need to run a wire to the e-brake for some functionality, you'll need to run a microphone cable and maybe a few other small things...

If the plugs on the back of the stock radio don't match the Metra harness, you have the amp - follow those wires down and remove it. The back of the stock amp has the plugs that match the Metra harness.

Otherwise, no special challenges.

-Charlie

 

[prybar]

Thanks! What about adding front door speakers? Pretty straight forward?

Door speakers can be a bit more involved since they come in all shapes and sizes. The main thing you'll be doing is making sure they fit in the speaker location, and that they don't stick out too far and come in contact with the door panels. Crutchfield is a good resource for this stuff - you can enter your make & model and the website will give you parts that fit and all associated brackets (even if you end up buying from somewhere else). They sell plastic mounting brackets to ensure the speaker sits properly, but I just used a piece of MDF that I cut with a jigsaw.

But, yes - speakers should be pretty straight forward as well!

 

[poisedforflight]

Thanks! What about adding front door speakers? Pretty straight forward?

If you're going to do the front door speakers, order a set of these:

Toyota 1996-2002 4Runner 6 1/2" 6.5" Front Door Speaker Adapter – SAK121_55 | eBay

 

[DWilliam]

Thanks for the replies. Couple questions:

When wiring tweeters, do I run the existing wire to the crossover then to the new tweeter?

What’s the best way to wire the parking brake so I can still have full access when it’s not engaged?