How to replace a powered antenna mast with fixed stubby antenna

[thobry]

I have spent the past hour reading many threads (not just here but other websites) and I am having trouble finding specific information on how to replace the powered antenna mast on a 98 4Runner with a static antenna (I prefer the stubby type).

My antenna mast broke off (probably a year ago now) and I would love to just replace it with a clean, low profile, stubby type antenna.

I have found a lot of threads and youTube videos that show how to replace it with OEM or similar powered antenna but I want to ditch the powered antenna go with fixed.

Not interested in the taco/whip antenna.


what I am having trouble finding is:

a) a fixed antenna that will fit a 98 4Runner (some say they work on 2000 model which is technically a 3rd gen also but Im not sure if this part will work specifically on a 98) and another example is these guys CravenSpeed in Oregon have an antenna that fits 1995-2015 Tacomas... would it fit a 98 4Runner? (I plan on email these guys next)

b) any info on if i need to run a whole new cable for the antenna to my radio or will the new stubby connect properly

c) do i need any kind of adapter, cable, new mount/base, etc.

 

[JWaldz]

[MENTION=145065]thobry[/MENTION]

I'm confused on what you're wanting to do here? To run a non-power antenna you absolutely have to change out the mast. You can't run a stubby on an automatic antenna mast, it doesn't work that way. You'll have to swap it out with a non-auto mast.

 

[3bears]

as far as I know you can not do anything with the power unit but replacace the mast with a power mast.
Taco whip
you don't have to use the long whip, im pretty sure you can use other masts but you have to have the fixed base like the taco style.
you can use other styles, brands of basses but they don't look "Toyota".
im dong the whip, have all the parts, just not the time yet, will blend it in with other projects on the car, other priorities right now not related to car. But since you have to go into the dash and behind the glove box, gonna do the fan motor clean out agt the time.....another good thread

there has been tons of threads on this forum of people doing the taco whip, and universal antenna assemblies as well

search...you will also get better results using the google search, at least I do

 

[2TH4IST]

Just did the swap a few weeks ago. You will need to remove power unit and replace with solid base and get a whip. I run a 14" whip. Went with oem antenna base, hardest part was running new coax into radio.

 

[BoomerBob]

There's a kit on Amazon that lets you remove the factor antenna then puts in a short adapter then the stubby antenna goes on the adapter. I cheated on a second T4R by cutting the geared plastic line and just put the factory antenna back in. Kept the better radio reception this way and didn't spend a penny.

https://amazon.com/AntennaMastsRus-...1996-2002)&qid=1565059448&s=automotive&sr=1-1

 

[hockey4]

I have never seen the “ conversion kit “ before. Has anybody done this ? The whip mod is coming up on my list here soon as I’m starting to want radio back after a year of pandora/amazon music

 

[3bears]

There's a kit on Amazon that lets you remove the factor antenna then puts in a short adapter then the stubby antenna goes on the adapter. I cheated on a second T4R by cutting the geared plastic line and just put the factory antenna back in. Kept the better radio reception this way and didn't spend a penny.

https://amazon.com/AntennaMastsRus-...1996-2002)&qid=1565059448&s=automotive&sr=1-1

that looks like a good alternative. Less work for sure, they are sure making their money with about 10 bucks of material to sell for 60. Reviews are mostly for the replaceable mast, but there are some reviews for the conversion kit which says reception not great due to short mast....might just be persons location. But nice idea, whish I had thought of it.

if you can find a taco base at a pick and pull and add what ever mast you want, your still far less money
^^^^^
after you cut your geared line, how did you get mast to stay up, I thought plastic gear line is what held it up

 

[mesooohoppy]

[MENTION=145065]thobry[/MENTION]

I'm confused on what you're wanting to do here? To run a non-power antenna you absolutely have to change out the mast. You can't run a stubby on an automatic antenna mast, it doesn't work that way. You'll have to swap it out with a non-auto mast.

can you please point in the direction in where i would purchase a non-auto mast for my 99?

when you say mast, are you referring to the base that holds the antenna itself to the fender?

i want to get rid of mine, but i have no idea how to. i searched and found a thread or two, but there is just back and forth discussion.

edit: i want to put a cheap stubby antenna on it (theyre like 10 bucks from ebay). i dont want to pay 60+ dollars for a kit, ill jimmy rig something up before i do that.

 

[JWaldz]

can you please point in the direction in where i would purchase a non-auto mast for my 99?

when you say mast, are you referring to the base that holds the antenna itself to the fender?

i want to get rid of mine, but i have no idea how to. i searched and found a thread or two, but there is just back and forth discussion.

edit: i want to put a cheap stubby antenna on it (theyre like 10 bucks from ebay). i dont want to pay 60+ dollars for a kit, ill jimmy rig something up before i do that.

By mast, I mean the whole assembly. With a power antenna, it's all built into one assembly. It may be possible to change out the retracting antenna portion but if you're at this point, you might as well just replace the whole assembly.

To get rid of it you remove the fender liner and it's back behind the fender, being held on with a single bolt (10mm or 12mm maybe?). Remove the bolt, remove the screw top up on top of the exterior of the fender, and it will come loose. You'll then need to trace the cable out from behind the dash and glove box to get it completely out. Reverse steps to install a fixed mast/assembly and re route the cable.

The fixed-assembly can be found online. The Toyota brand one is on amazon for like 70 bucks primed. Part number 86300-35090

Here's a full write-up as well >> Tacoma Whip Mod

 

[mesooohoppy]

The fixed-assembly can be found online. The Toyota brand one is on amazon for like 70 bucks primed. Part number 86300-35090

Here's a full write-up as well >> Tacoma Whip Mod

thank you for that. all that work just to remove an antenna line.. i guess i should just buy a new head unit while im at it.

i left it out in my inital question, but can i butcher the auto mast to hold a stubby antenna? im not going to pay 70 bucks when i just need something to hold an antenna. the antenna probably wont even be hooked up. the only reason im doing this is because i dont want a gaping hole in my fender.

if i buy a head unit its going to be solely to listen to music via blue tooth. bye bye radio.

 

[JWaldz]

thank you for that. all that work just to remove an antenna line.. i guess i should just buy a new head unit while im at it.

i left it out in my inital question, but can i butcher the auto mast to hold a stubby antenna? im not going to pay 70 bucks when i just need something to hold an antenna. the antenna probably wont even be hooked up. the only reason im doing this is because i dont want a gaping hole in my fender.

if i buy a head unit its going to be solely to listen to music via blue tooth. bye bye radio.

Some one posted a link above that integrates a stubby antenna connection to a power antenna. I'm not quite sure how it works or what's involved for the install.

Alternatively, most new radios have a remote wire (typically blue I think) that talks to the antenna circuit. Back in the day I put an on/off switch on it so I can control when I want the antenna to work independent of anything else. You may be able to just not connect this wire and the antenna might not work. I'm not quite sure on that though. Regardless, this option allows you to not have to mess with the antenna assembly at all.

 

[mesooohoppy]

Some one posted a link above that integrates a stubby antenna connection to a power antenna. I'm not quite sure how it works or what's involved for the install.

i only see 3 links:
-OPs link to an antenna
-an amazon link
-the link you posted that involves buying a new mast.

do you mind quoting or posting that link? apparently my glasses no longer work.

i dont mind taking all this apart. im just not going to do it for an antenna wire. id rather maximize my time and just install a new head unit while im at it.

 

[weekendclimber]

Why not just delete the front antenna altogether and use the rear window antenna? Not sure what year they started putting those in, but might be easier?

 

[mesooohoppy]

Why not just delete the front antenna altogether and use the rear window antenna? Not sure what year they started putting those in, but might be easier?

i dont want a giant hole in my fender. i also do not want a whip antenna whipping around messing up my new paint, nor do i wish to pay that much. ive always put cheap stubbys from ebay on my car that usually arent more than $7.50 shipped. im just going to end up taking it all apart and butchering my motorized mast.

i did a quick google search and i couldnt find an OEM rear antenna for the 3rd gen. i dont want any antennas on my car. i just have to put something where the hole is on the fender.

 

[JWaldz]

i only see 3 links:
-OPs link to an antenna
-an amazon link
-the link you posted that involves buying a new mast.

do you mind quoting or posting that link? apparently my glasses no longer work.

i dont mind taking all this apart. im just not going to do it for an antenna wire. id rather maximize my time and just install a new head unit while im at it.

You just said it lol, I was referring to the Amazon link (the conversion kit).

 

[Brian.]

i did a quick google search and i couldnt find an OEM rear antenna for the 3rd gen. i dont want any antennas on my car. i just have to put something where the hole is on the fender.

It's in the passenger side rear-most window for the vehicles that have it (I assumed it was all of them, but I've been wrong more often than not).

As for the hole in the fender, nothing a little backer mesh, bondo and paint won't cover up in a few hours. You'll spend more on that than the Toyota OEM antenna assembly, but it'll look clean.

 

[mesooohoppy]

As for the hole in the fender, nothing a little backer mesh, bondo and paint won't cover up in a few hours. You'll spend more on that than the Toyota OEM antenna assembly, but it'll look clean.

there is no way whatever 'color match' paint i buy will be even remotely close. it will stand out like a sore thumb (ask me how i know). besides my roommate has a nice mig welder with a bottle all hooked up if i really wanted to go that route to close the holes up; the paint part is the issue, not to mention my car is a respray, further compounding the color match problem.

the best option for me at this point is to just hack up the auto mast assembly to fit a 5-7 dollar china stubby from ebay. i was just tring to figure out earlier if i can hack up the unit i currently have.

You just said it lol, I was referring to the Amazon link (the conversion kit).

that is what i figured/feared. there is no way that kit costs even remotely that close to make. they must be making a killing on profit.

 

[BoomerBob]

Why not just delete the front antenna altogether and use the rear window antenna? Not sure what year they started putting those in, but might be easier?

If I remember right; that rear passenger side window antenna is an AM antenna only.

Here's a link to replace the mast with a Tacoma style setup.

https://amazon.com/Toyota-Genuine-8...a+Assembly&qid=1565138951&s=automotive&sr=1-2

Here's a link to fill most of that hole if you remove the unit completely.

https://amazon.com/Toyota-Genuine-8...mbly&qid=1565139052&s=automotive&sr=1-2-fkmr0

 

[Eric 2002]

Thanks for the idea. I just did this (cut the nylon). It took about five minutes. Now all I have to do is disconnect the power wire to the power unit so I don't have to listen to the motor run every time I turn on the radio.