Is something missing?

[techno]

Greetings..... I have just moved to the USA from Australia and I am about to buy my first vehicle. 4Runners were discontinued in Aust. at the end of '96, (we got the Prado instead) so I was pretty pleased to find that they are still current here.

Anyway, I am about to buy a 99 SR5 and I have noticed that the storage compartment in the p/s rear quarter panel is empty. It seems like there is provision to hold something specific but I cant work out what it might be. Should something be kept in there?

I was a hoping to find a rig that had a factory diff lock fitted but this SR5 auto is too good to pass up, so I'll just have to drop in an ARB at some stage. Will also be adding an ARB bullbar, OME suspension and muddies as soon as the handbrake (aka wife) releases the funds!! Then its time to get dirty....

Also, thanks alot and well done to all who maintain and contribute to this forum, its been a fantastic resource while I've been hunting for the right setup. Keep it up.

 

[rytard]

I bought my '97 used, so I can't say for sure, but I don't believe that compartment was supposed to hold anything specific. In fact, it's never even occurred to me that something might be missing there. I've just always assumed that Toyota put in a little storage space since there was extra room there.

 

[qballjr13]

I know its a totally different truck but the 04 has the jack and tire changing equipment on the drivers side and a storage compartment with tie down straps on the passengers side.

 

[techno]

yeah, my first thought was that the jack and tools should have been there, but I found them stored under the rear seats.

 

[One_96TR4]

I'm pretty sure it's just an empty storage compartment.

 

[Elton]

its just there to store stuff i have a strap and other stuff in its a good size also i got lucky and got a e-locker and a 5spd

 

[broncosi]

I'm pretty sure it's just an empty storage compartment.

yep thats exactly what it is, i keep my tow ball in there for my hitch. For that generation the jack is under the rear passenger seats.

 

[gapboi210]

possibly where a factory cd changer goes?

 

[peter78]

Yes, in the States the storage bin comes empty. It is used in other Countries for Safety Reflective Triangles. It does come with the strap for the Triangles, I guess it was cheaper for Toyota leaving it there.

Here is a old thread talking about what different members used the empty storage bin for.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?threadid=589&highlight=storage

 

[NateDawg]

In the 3rd generations it is just for anything you would like to store

 

[peter78]

In the 3rd generations it is just for anything you would like to store

It was actually built for a specific purpose. Notice the straps that are built in. In the US the safety equipment is not legally needed, so Toyota leaves it empty.

 

[gapboi210]

Mine doesn't have straps and it has the little door. Would be so much more easy to access if it had the larger door like the 99+ do.

 

[techno]

Well thats a little dissappointing. I was hoping something should be in there, then I could use that as another bargaining tool to talk the dealer down!! But thanks for the reminder about the tow ball, I know that is missing....

 

[One_96TR4]

But thanks for the reminder about the tow ball, I know that is missing....

FYI the tow ball doesn't generally come with the hitch it's something you have to buy separately. Unless the previous owner leaves one on there :

 

[RonMAIDEN]

Mine holds jumper cables perfectly but that's about it.

 

[Jay]

Mine holds my jumper cables, first aid kit, and a pair of swim shorts. You never know when you need swim shorts, or that on the fly hot tub party goes off.

 

[Yazoo 4Runner]

Most likely, the straps inside are there to hold a first aid kit box...Most land cruisers have the same set up and they come with a toyota first aid kit