Head Unit help

[SSJGohanMlm]

Hi everyone, I'm new to the forums! I'm having trouble finding a decent amount of info about the audio head unit and I figured I can find most of my answers here. Here's what I have:

2005 SR5 4Runner
Stock audio, non jbl, single disc w/ cassette.

Most likely, I will be buying my head unit from crutchfield, something good enough that will play MP3/WMA and also the AUX jack is a must. Bluetooth is optional, but I'll consider it.

So here are my questions:

1) If I get it from crutchfield, do i need to purchase anything else? From what I've been seeing, it comes with installation kits and stuff

2) Will the steering controls that controls the stock audio unit work with the after market?

I'm a total noob at this. I've been using tape adapters and FM transmitters to play my MP3's. Fed up with horrible quality, I've decided to upgrade the head unit only for now. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Also, what do you all recommend I should get? What are my options?

 

[Clemsonfan15]

Crutchfield is great for headunits. They privide a wiring harness for free. Upgrading your HU is a good decision. You will be pleased.

You should think about what you want. You can either get a single din or a double din. A double din will be touch screen most of the time.

 

[Larry77]

I've looked into Crutchfield but their prices always seem so high...

I have been happy with the small stuff I've bought from them in the past and love their catalogs for toilet reading

 

[SSJGohanMlm]

Thanks for the replies!

However, it would be very helpful if the 2 questions are addressed

 

[claytonb78]

I've heard nothing but good things about Crutchfield and their install kits are suppose to be very good as well as their instructions. While I know a wiring harness is standard, I am not so sure about a trim kit. If anything is left off, I'd have to assume this would be.

As for the steering wheel controls, you'll need to buy the appropriate PAX device to retain the use of them. Installing this is suppose to only be 3 wires and while I've never installed one myself, I have heard several people get stuck on a part. But one thing is for sure, a non-factory stereo will not "plug and play" with your factory steering wheel controls...you need to buy an adapter. I hope this helps.

BTW, I'm a total noob here too so someone else will probably give you better info...just trying to help.

 

[004Gunner]

Call crutchfield, they have the best customer service staff I have ever encountered and will be more than happy to help. If you buy from them they will most likely include the h/u adapter you will need and will probably charge extra for the steering wheel adapter. The included instructions should suffice but you can always call them for help or post up here with the specific issue

 

[leftyguns21]

Thanks for the replies!

However, it would be very helpful if the 2 questions are addressed

chances are great the steering wheel controls will not work w/ an after market unit

ive never used crutchfield, always just gone to my local shop. i do all my own installs cause... A) its done right B) save money C) dont want some punk kid messing with my car D) makes you feel better that you did it yourself. and there are other reasons. most stuff now you can just plug in so pretty easy as long as you know how to take the car apart.

spend time research get what you want. but you will most certainly lose the steering wheel controls

 

[SSJGohanMlm]

chances are great the steering wheel controls will not work w/ an after market unit

ive never used crutchfield, always just gone to my local shop. i do all my own installs cause... A) its done right B) save money C) dont want some punk kid messing with my car D) makes you feel better that you did it yourself. and there are other reasons. most stuff now you can just plug in so pretty easy as long as you know how to take the car apart.

spend time research get what you want. but you will most certainly lose the steering wheel controls

I was told to get the PAC SWIPS, which i did. We'll see on thurs :-D