Rear Interior Panel Swap

michael33r

michael33r

New member
I was just wondering, has anyone ever swapped a newer panel (the one with the bigger side compartment) into an older 4Runner? I would love to have that bigger compartment to store things in.
 
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It can be done pretty easily, you just have to take off the rear hatch kick panel, the rear dome light panel, the rear seat belt and the panel that covers the rear seat back hook. The reason I haven't actually done it is because the tan/oak plastics in the newer trucks is a different shade than the 96-98, I think the grey is the same color though.
 
UnderFire said:
It can be done pretty easily, you just have to take off the rear hatch kick panel, the rear dome light panel, the rear seat belt and the panel that covers the rear seat back hook. The reason I haven't actually done it is because the tan/oak plastics in the newer trucks is a different shade than the 96-98, I think the grey is the same color though.
Click to expand...

That was also something I was wondering. Guess I'd have to redo the whole interior with the newer plastics. I wouldn't mind that but finding that stuff would be crazy hard I bet. Possibly at a junk yard but it would take a long time. Only 4runner at the Pick N Pulls relatively close to me was a 92 last time I checked. That's out of three different locations too. No one junks these things.
 
michael33r said:
That was also something I was wondering. Guess I'd have to redo the whole interior with the newer plastics. I wouldn't mind that but finding that stuff would be crazy hard I bet. Possibly at a junk yard but it would take a long time. Only 4runner at the Pick N Pulls relatively close to me was a 92 last time I checked. That's out of three different locations too. No one junks these things.
Click to expand...

Swapping out the plastics isn't too bad really, if you have a day or two to devote to it, and everything is there and layed out, you could do it no problem.

I got lucky with the junkyards around here, they get a nice steady flow of 3rd gen 4Runners, so I get to pick and choose parts off of about 40-50 3rd gens a year.
 
I think everyone is stealing our MO 3rd gens and shipping them to everywhere else! On those odd occasions one shows up it gets picked clean of the good stuff FAST! Even across the river in IL they're few and far between.

Not all greys are equal, either, but a small bit of the trim out of yours would help with a match. One of the retainer buttons or a seat-foot cover or something.
 
I've done this, and while the colors are different, it's not exactly shocking. Just make sure you get both sides so they match.

It's not a straight swap, though. You have to trim out the metal above the wheel well. Thin body metal, comes off easily with a dremel and cutting disc. Basically, what you have right now is just large enough to accommodate the current cargo cubby, and you need to expand it to fit the new one.

No other issues, though.
 
0xfded said:
I've done this, and while the colors are different, it's not exactly shocking. Just make sure you get both sides so they match.

It's not a straight swap, though. You have to trim out the metal above the wheel well. Thin body metal, comes off easily with a dremel and cutting disc. Basically, what you have right now is just large enough to accommodate the current cargo cubby, and you need to expand it to fit the new one.

No other issues, though.
Click to expand...

THIS is the kind of info I'm looking for! I hate cutting into things like that mainly because it scares me to think I might make something look horrible. Good thing is, it would be behind the trim so I don't care at all. I'd just spray some epoxy primer in there and call it good. :dancin:
 
Or just change the size of the compartment like I did. Take off the black box and put in some carpet to whatever size you want. My storage compartment is now larger than the 99-02 storage compartments. Cost $12 for carpet and $10 for spray adhesive.

gamefreakgc-albums-mods++upgrades-picture35481-storage-compartment-expansion.jpg


Inspiration from this thread:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-g...compartment-mod-removed-box-added-carpet.html
 
michael33r said:
I may be doing this in the near future! Thanks for this!
Click to expand...

If I could give some advice on removing trim panels, don't take them off slowly. Make sure there's no screws (you have to remove the bottom trim holding on the carpet in the rear cargo, as well as the top trim near the dome light, and remove the dome light to uncover a screw) still attached and then be decisive with short, quick pulls. Learned this after taking off door panels. If you try and pry them off the clips brake really easy. Quick pulls make them pop off like they are supposed to and you won't be going to the dealer to try and find new clips that you broke.
 
Newer old 2001 interior panels (mostly rear posts) into a ’98 4R SR5

Greetings

I know, old as all, possibly none of the original posters available?

I’ve gotten bequeathed ti me a ‘98 4R 4X SR5 M/T , midnight dark blue pearl, lots of fun.

I’ve got a break/crack in ps/side rear post (plastic) between lift gate & window.

I’d like to fix it, even more preferable to get the roomier 2001-2002 kit interior panels in.

Are you all saying this is possible?

Thanks in advance
Cheers
 
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