New to Installing a head unit...

[talkinghead]

I Haven't ever installed a head unit, but my 02' Runner has been having some cd skip issues and I'm also really sick of making cd's lol. With that being said, I purchased a new Pioneer FH-X720BT and I'm stoked to install it but really don't have much experience and don't own a soldering iron. I believe the dimensions on the pioneer are the same as the stock unit. I know there are also plenty of walkthrough videos that can help you out, but I'm curious if I'll need anything else to get this done on my own, like new harness wires, etc. Any help or recommendations would be greatly appreciated, can't wait to play any song from my phone feels like I'm getting a new car!

 

[MONTYMTB]

I Haven't ever installed a head unit, but my 02' Runner has been having some cd skip issues and I'm also really sick of making cd's lol. With that being said, I purchased a new Pioneer FH-X720BT and I'm stoked to install it but really don't have much experience and don't own a soldering iron. I believe the dimensions on the pioneer are the same as the stock unit. I know there are also plenty of walkthrough videos that can help you out, but I'm curious if I'll need anything else to get this done on my own, like new harness wires, etc. Any help or recommendations would be greatly appreciated, can't wait to play any song from my phone feels like I'm getting a new car!

It's really easy to do in a 3rd gen - easy access to everything.
If the unit you're replacing is stock, you will need a adapter - should be easy to find here with a search - but if you're replacing an aftermarket unit it should already have one and most likely be a plug and play situation.

 

[ZebRuaj]

Where did you purchase the headunit from? I usually point newbs who want to DIY a headunit install to Crutchfield. They give you a free harness, mounting adapters, and pretty good install directions.

By the sounds of your post, you just got the headunit. You're gonna need an aftermarket wiring adapter to make your new headunit work with the OEM radio wiring. Check any electronics store, WalMart, or local radio installer for one. Soldering is preferred, but you can buy crimp connectors, or even ghetto electrical tape the wiring together.

Do yourself a favor and watch some of those videos you mentioned. And search the forum for directions on tearing your dash and OEM radio out. Investing the time now to learn saves you in the long run when you get into the project.

 

[gamefreakgc]

Most new head units come with the connector and extra wiring which you can solder or crimp onto the old wiring, just cut off the old stock connector and go to town. However, in our 4Runner's the colors don't always match up so you need a diagram or how-to on which to match up.

The easiest way to to buy an adapter that plugs into the old Toyota connector and then into your brand of head unit. Look at places like Fry's, Amazon, Crutchfield, etc.

If you are replacing the stock CD player, you'll also want to pull out the old amplifier, it's a silver box in behind the dash.

 

[Nervo19]

DO NOT cut the old connections and go to town! Go to Walmart or Best Buy or EBay and get the Toyota connector for $5.99. A soldering gun is about $20 with flux or you can get quick connectors. If you had purchased from Crutchfield they'd include those and a step by step instructions. They also would have included the Scosche trim kit. If you have to trim the faceplate or trim anything you bought the wrong stereo. If your 4Runner had an amp you might panic and think your old connector doesn't fit the Toyota harness. Remove the amp and the connector fits. Also take all the ground wires and ground them to bare metal. There are several videos on YouTube on how to take the dash apart.

Here's a link to the kit for a single DIN stereo:
Find what fits your car - Crutchfield

Here are the wiring connects if you don't solder. They are $6.99. They ship very quickly:
Posi-Products? Car Stereo Connectors 16 wiring connectors for installing a new car stereo at Crutchfield.com

 

[talkinghead]

I purchased off ebay brand new but unfortunately didn't include any harness or butt connectors so I just purchased the two and will hopefully make this seem a lot easier.