HU for 2005 4Runner

[heavymetalbebop]

So after years of 4Runner envy, I am finally the proud owner of a 2005 4Runner Sport (w/JBL sound). The thing is a beauty and in great shape but I want to upgrade the factory JBL stereo so I can have bluetooth audio and phone support. There are tons of options but I'm a sucker for the factory look so I would like to find a HU that matches the dash lights and lets me keep my steering wheel controls. I was looking at purchasing a 2006 or later 4Runner head unit with SAT and AUX built-in, but sounds like it's a pain to tap into the harness and run the aux cable, plus I would rather have the BT connection over the aux jack (better sound).

I've heard a lot of talk about the Scion units (really liking the T1819) but I hesitate to drop $200-$300 on a unit and cables when I could get one from Crutchfield for half the price with additional features and all the harnesses included. Not to mention, I'm not entirely sure my JBL speakers will work with the Scion HU unless I have additional cables/harnesses on top of those to convert from Toyota to Scion.

Any comments/suggestions on other HU's that match, experience with the Scion HU (are they worth the $$), or ease of install for a later model 4Runner stock unit would be greatly appreciated.

Btw it's 2005 4Runner Sport with JBL radio, no RDS

 

[heavymetalbebop]

Well after looking over my options, I think I've narrowed it down to a Scion HU but I'm trying to figure out how many cables/adapters/harnesses I need to get this sucker up and running. I think I'm going with the Pioneer T1819, so let me see if I have all my materials figured out:

1) PT546-00120 - Pioneer head unit
2) PT546-74120-MC - microphone w/cable
3) PT546-00120-CH - 20 pin + 8 pin into 28 pin
4) PT546-00120-AD - antenna adapter
5) PT546-00120-US - USB adapter

If I've got this right, with the above I can directly connect my iPhone via USB or via Bluetooth to stream audio and use the built-in handsfree calling.

Do I need any extra cables/adapters to keep the JBL amplifier functionality?

 

[preacher35]

Well after looking over my options, I think I've narrowed it down to a Scion HU but I'm trying to figure out how many cables/adapters/harnesses I need to get this sucker up and running. I think I'm going with the Pioneer T1819, so let me see if I have all my materials figured out:

1) PT546-00120 - Pioneer head unit
2) PT546-74120-MC - microphone w/cable
3) PT546-00120-CH - 20 pin + 8 pin into 28 pin
4) PT546-00120-AD - antenna adapter
5) PT546-00120-US - USB adapter

If I've got this right, with the above I can directly connect my iPhone via USB or via Bluetooth to stream audio and use the built-in handsfree calling.

Do I need any extra cables/adapters to keep the JBL amplifier functionality?

Well, you're going to need a SWI-RC interface for your steering wheel controls to work with the new H/U.

On a side note, if you are concerned about your H/U matching your OEM lighting, you might want to first consider whether or not you plan on doing an LED gauge/HVAC light swap in the future. Many of us, here on T4R.org, get LED light swaps for our gauge clusters and HVAC dash controls. I'm not sure if you have seen this yet, but essentially, you can change the color (blue, red, green, white or even a combination of colors as in the photo below) of all your gauges, switches and controls, via LED's. Here is an example of white with blue:

I paid about $220.00 to have my gauges, HVAC and steering wheel controls changed to a white and blue combination and it was worth EVERY penny. Just something to consider if you would like to get away from the OEM amber/yellow scheme. Here is a link to a thread that has some examples:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/112276-post-your-led-gauge-swaps-here.html

Anyway, welcome to the T4R.org family!

 

[gshadow325]

Op. There are tons of threads covering this subject. Message me if you want some pointers. I have a whole store room of Kenwood and pioneer and a bunch of other stuff. Authorized dealer of them all too

I don't want to clutter up your thread.

 

[heavymetalbebop]

...you might want to first consider whether or not you plan on doing an LED gauge/HVAC light swap in the future.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/112276-post-your-led-gauge-swaps-here.html

Those light swaps are BEAUTIFUL...I will definitely be doing this to my 4Runner down the road. Doesn't look too involved but I think I'll start with a new HU and figure out the LED swaps down the road.

After my original post, I did some more digging

and found some threads that I think answered my other questions. Now that I know what I need (and that I can swap the dash lights out) I think I'll go with aftermarket as the HU offer many more features.

The question remaining is...

Do I retain the stock JBL amplifier or use a built-in amp in an aftermarket unit? I guess it's only a $30 harness and I can judge the sound quality but I'm curious what the 4Runner gurus recommend...

 

[heavymetalbebop]

If I install a 2006 or later 4Runner HU with the aux button in my 2005, how would I go about running the aux jack? The aux assembly is readily available online, but what is the part no. for the cable/harness needed to connect to the HU? Or is it not quite that simple?

 

[gr8lakes]

Aux in ?

I'd also like to know where to get the AUX in ...

My 2005 SR5 4runner non-JBL non-steering controls didn't come with an AUX IN.

I see the pinouts for a T1819 posted, and it looks like the AUX is on the 20 pin connector, meaning it must be on the PT546-00120-CH into the existing harness.

 

[Ruthven13]

When I replaced mine I used a Kenwwod 653s H/U hooked up stock to the JBL system. I thought it was ok for a while until I replaces my speakers. I hooked the speakers directly to the H/U leaving the JBL amp out of it except for the sub and tweeters. It sounded so much better that way and I had to eventually disconnect the sub. With the added volume from the new h/u the sub was rattling and not needed anyway. I think my 6" door speakers hit harder than the JBL sub did...

 

[aksusaf]

I recently upgraded my headunit to the Pioneer AVIC-6200 NEX. I opted to go the easy but expensive route of the iDatalink Maestro module/harness. If you Dont mind spending the money it retains every bit of the factory connections (amp, aux port, steering wheel controls) and it provides some on screen data from the OBDII port. Of course you have to have a compatible H/U for that. My speakers/amp are still bone stock and they sound amazing.