power antenna repair or replace with fixed

L

leelee

New member
i have the 1998 4runner and i love it but the power antenna is broke. i hope to keep the vehicle until i stop or it stop running. my question is would it be best to repair the power antenna or get a fixed antenna replacement. so far i think just the mast is bad. but what if the motor go out latter any suggestions
 
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Search taco whip mod. Lots of folks just replace the power antenna with a fixed one from a tacoma. There is also a delete cap that can just fill in the spot where the antenna comes out if you don't use your radio.
 
You can get one of these. I've been running one for a long time.

It's a power amped antenna. Sticks to the inside of the windshield.

a7e2e2e9.jpg
 
I paid $40-$50 for a replacement OEM mast from the dealership. I like the power antenna, and I can put it down when offload to avoid snagging it on things.
 
If it's just the mast, then it's a cheap fix. I bought mine off ebay for $18. Easy install. If the motor's broke, I'd go with Taco whip.
 
I've been wondering the same thing. I actually have a different predicament with my antenna as everything works, the mast is good and the motor is great, but the mounting bracket that holds the motor has broken off its spot weld where it attaches to the inner panel. Odd thing to go.

Now I have to figure out if removing a panel and having the spot weld taken care of is worth it to me, or if just going with the taco whip is a better idea. I do like having the auto antenna though. It just has a nice fit and finished feel to it.
 
I didn't care for the power antenna and got tired of it always going up and down, especially if I was sitting with the ign on and then started the truck and it would go down and then back up. Just got old.

I did the whip mod and I have been very happy.

I do still have my entire power assembly, motor, mast, etc. in good condition. If you are interested, shoot me a PM and we can work something out.

All up to you really. If you like the power antenna then keep it, if not then do the whip mod, comes down to personnel preference.
 
leelee said:
so cool 5 guys replied with good advice. i will give power one more try
Click to expand...

If you go that route, this thread has info you need to know:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/110684-power-antenna-fixed-but-new-issue.html#post1019785

Don't buy just any old mast; the wrong one will drive you crazy.

For the record, almost two years later, my automatic antenna is still working perfectly. I like the auto. It has needed attention exactly ONCE in almost 15 years, which is pretty darn good in my book.
 
Link Needed: 97 matching the oem mast

TheDurk said:
If you go that route, this thread has info you need to know:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/110684-power-antenna-fixed-but-new-issue.html#post1019785

Don't buy just any old mast; the wrong one will drive you crazy.

For the record, almost two years later, my automatic antenna is still working perfectly. I like the auto. It has needed attention exactly ONCE in almost 15 years, which is pretty darn good in my book.
Click to expand...

I ordered a "oem" mast off ebay, high rated seller, the mast diameter is too small, anyone have a link to buy the proper diameter power antenna mast?
Huge Thanks
1997 4runner limited
 
papabear1126 said:
I ordered a "oem" mast off ebay, high rated seller, the mast diameter is too small, anyone have a link to buy the proper diameter power antenna mast?
Huge Thanks
1997 4runner limited
Click to expand...

It is right there in the thread linked in my post that you quoted. eBay seller raderra sells masts that worked for myself and others.

Toyota 4 Runner Power Antenna Mast 1996 2002 Brand New | eBay

These guys also seem to have it right, but I have not used them myself:

http://antennamastsrus.com/Toyota/4%20Runner/4%20Runner%201996-2002.htm
 
Last edited:
I'm another one that prefers the power antenna. When my antenna mast broke after thirteen years, I bought a new replacement mast from a Toyota dealer. I think it was around $40.00.

An hour or so of my time to take the motor out, retrieve the broken off piece of the the nylon cable, some fresh lithium grease in the housing, install the new mast, and nearly four years later it works just like new.

If I still have the 4Runner in another 9 years, and the mast breaks again, I'll do the same repair.
 
Run the stock one up, unplug it (behind the inner fender liner) and leave it up.
If it won't come up, grab it and yank it up.
 
I ditched the whole external antenna. In my case reception from the passenger window built-in antenna is good enough. Bought a rubber cover for the fender hole and never looked back.
 
TheDurk said:
It is right there in the thread linked in my post that you quoted. eBay seller raderra sells masts that worked for myself and others.

Toyota 4 Runner Power Antenna Mast 1996 2002 Brand New | eBay

These guys also seem to have it right, but I have not used them myself:

1996-2002 Toyota 4 Runner Power Antenna Parts, 86300-35111, 86396-89102, 86392-35020, 86337-35111
Click to expand...

Thanks for posting that! It's the same one I ordered last week after mine met the cruel demise at the hands of a car wash. (I'm not used to having to put my antenna down...Tacoma owner)
 
Replace it! I have a $2.00 ebay carbon fiber shorty and a $12.00 metra antenna kit. I like the low profile look, unlike my cb antenna lol

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IMG_20140203_171059_931.jpg
 
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