Jeep ZJ to T4R convert, almost ...

[zosdog]

Hi everyone. Just wanted to introduce myself as yet another new 4Runner owner. Thanks already to the forum for saving me hundreds in keyless entry remote replacements and programming.

I have driven ZJ's for 6 years, but after a string of reliabilty issues, I invested in a 2000 3.4 SR5 a month ago. I noticed I have some of the same issues as other Jeep converts, but hopefully with everyone's help I can be converted 100%. The only major knock on my mind (or rather my butt) is seat comfort, as it tends to irritate my sciatic nerve on long trips. Just from searching the threads I think I'll be on my own for that fix.

Questions:

Will 90-95 mirrors mount to 96-02? (I would like to have chrome there, and eventually everywhere that stock allows)

What factory CD changers were available for the stock head unit, and what if any aftermarket changer will work directly with it, with or without an adapter? Anybody have a perfect setup using stock HU's, changers, and whatevers? And where do you guys like to hide a changer?

Have any of you installed longer roof racks? The Jeep's ran the entire length of the roof which was awesome for kayaks and lumber, so I miss that already.

I'm not afraid of in-depth mods, so throw me all your thoughts. And once I get more aquainted with my T4R, I'll throw back some of my ideas.

Thanks a bunch,
Zos

P.S. Someone let me know if I should post those questions as new threads.

 

[lee]

Originally posted by zosdog
Will 90-95 mirrors mount to 96-02? (I would like to have chrome there, and eventually everywhere that stock allows)

nope. they wont. i dont think they have covers either, but if they do, itll be on ebay or you can contact burman industries.

Originally posted by zosdog What factory CD changers were available for the stock head unit, and what if any aftermarket changer will work directly with it, with or without an adapter? Anybody have a perfect setup using stock HU's, changers, and whatevers? And where do you guys like to hide a changer?

I dont use the stock HU or a changer, but you can hide it in the arm rest console...

Originally posted by zosdog
Have any of you installed longer roof racks? The Jeep's ran the entire length of the roof which was awesome for kayaks and lumber, so I miss that already.

you can buy a longer surco rack, but depending on length id be afraid of interference with sunroof (if you have one) or the strength of it. if i was to run one that spanned my whole roof, id definitely install a 3rd crossbar.

welcome

 

[zosdog]

Thanks for the reply. So a stock changer will fit in the armrest? In the ZJ there was tons of room under the rear seats to store stuff. As far as the roof rack is concerned, a third cross bar might be tricky, as it would have to be shorter than those on the ends to make them all level. If the T4R's roof is as strong as the Jeep's (if not stronger as I suspect) then I know it can handle close to 400 lbs on two Yakima bars (don't ask how I found that out). I think I will hit the salvage yards to find an older 3G T4R and learn the differences between them.

 

[ebelen1]

Thanks for the reply. As far as the roof rack is concerned, a third cross bar might be tricky, as it would have to be shorter than those on the ends to make them all level. If the T4R's roof is as strong as the Jeep's (if not stronger as I suspect) then I know it can handle close to 400 lbs on two Yakima bars (don't ask how I found that out). I think I will hit the salvage yards to find an older 3G T4R and learn the differences between them.

I'm not sure of the guy's setup but someone on yotatech has two kayaks on his roofrack. He did say they were pretty heavy. I'm assuming you can use your stock rack w/ different Yakima or Thule feet to help out w/ your hauling needs. Since the kayaks will be sitting on something else, don't think you need to lengthen the stock rack.