Replacement Sound System...for Nonrocket Scientists?

[cmj685]

Guys,
We are buying the new 2005 SR5 with the one-disc stock player in it--the dealer claimed that they don't make SR5s or Sports with the 6 disc. Anyway, I would love to change that out to a six-disc...and maybe, from looking at some of your posts, change out the speakers as well. But here's the thing--I am not a rocket scientist, so I can't do this myself. When us mere mortals look at your posts on amps and wiring and .... we don't have a clue what you are talking about. So my question is this (and give me really, really simple and straightforward answers of the nonrocket scientist variety):
Are there common places out there (we are in the Mpls-St Paul Minnesota area) who
1) have a good system with good speakers for people who love music but don't know anything about electronics
2) can replace the current system with that nice middle of the road system for a good price and will do a good job.
I have terrible fears of someone tearing my brand new vehicle apart and never having it right again...and there is no way I can or will do it myself!
What exactly should I ask for in terms of system and speakers (and anything else?), who should I ask, and how much should it cost? Please help!

 

[sharp4runr]

Easiest upgrade and also would come from Toyota is to replace your stock Non JBL Radio for the 6 disc in dash radio from a Scion xA or xB. It is a direct replacement for the stock non JBL radio. Only thing to note as the Scion unit only has 1 antenna input versus the 2 inputs on the stock 4Runner radio.

To install you just rip apart the dash, unplug your stock radio and plug in the Scion unit. All the plugs line up and they only go in one way : (There are VERY DETAILED instructions on how to rip apart the dash on the board, do a search)

 

[Fortyounces]

Using the words "rip apart your dash" aren't too comforting to people like cmj685 and others who have never done aftermarket audio mods.

Maybe using the term "disassembling" or "removing" the dash would give him/her the piece of mind to know they could do it themselves.


cmj685, the switch out of the Scion 6CD HeadUnit is as simple as it comes. The hardest part of the install would be "disassembling" the dash. All the wiring is just a matter of unsnapping the adaptors from the back of the Toyota Head Unit and snapping them into the Scion HU.

keep in mind if you do it yourself, you not only ensure that everything is taken apart and re-installed correctly, but you also know that is something happens to break, what has to be done to fix it. Whereas if 20 year old kid who installs at Circuit City or Best Buy messes somethign up, they're gonna rig it up half assed and hope you don't notice.


the following is borrowed from another thread out there (my apologies to the author for not giving credit) but just shows how easy the dash can be "removed":

Removing the Trim around the Center Console

1. Pull the black trim up from around the gear shift (no bolts/screws)
2. Pull the silver trim up from around the center console (around the gear shift as well.. but this time the outer trim) No bolts or screws, unhook the connectors
3. Remove the lame slim storage tray in the center of the dash that pops out (below the A/C controls(just flip it open, then pull up)
4. Look for the one screw behind the tray near the top. Remove that screw.
5. Grab the AC controls and the computer display. Just give it a good yank. It will come out. Unhook the connector.
6. Now. Remove the two bolts by the drivers knees, pull that panel out (the drivers knee panel below the steering wheel.)
7. You will find one bolt hiding to the right of this panel that is holding on the center trim. Unbolt that bolt, and the two bolts that are now visible behind the computer/AC controls.
8. Now pull the center trim (silver) from the panel.
9. You will find two remaining bolts holding the radio in, unbolt them and you are done.

 

[bulldog-yota]

Here is the best instructions I have seen on removing the headunit.
I used to install my NEO ipod unit.

http://www.castulucci.com/projects/carpc/oemnaviaccess/

 

[Fortyounces]

Mods should make that link a STICKY.... very helpful to those attempting for the first time. Probably one of the most complete pictorials I've seen out there in regard to the 4R.

 

[Wah]

Only thing to note as the Scion unit only has 1 antenna input versus the 2 inputs on the stock 4Runner radio.

It was my understanding that the Scion headunits do have the second input, it was just covered... uncovered by a quick drilling.

 

[gold4runner]

scion head unit install

fortyounces, thanx for the detailed description. Took about an hour to install the 1804 and all is well in the 4runner. Sound is much improved over stock, and with my type s alpines front and back, I am quite happy with the results.

thanx again

 

[ozrazer]

Re: scion head unit install

fortyounces, thanx for the detailed description. Took about an hour to install the 1804 and all is well in the 4runner. Sound is much improved over stock, and with my type s alpines front and back, I am quite happy with the results.

thanx again

i also got the scion on my 04 4runner, i just want know if in fact
the front is 6x9 and the rear is 6.5 and if i going to install the same speakers that you got are they going to fit right into the
factory speaker mount? thanks!!

 

[UoD]

The dealer said they don't make SR5's or Sports with a 6Disc? He is lying to you. My sport has the 6 disc JBL system .... and if I am not mistaken one of the girls I work with has a 6 disk non-jbl in her SR5.

 

[sharp4runr]

The dealer said they don't make SR5's or Sports with a 6Disc? He is lying to you. My sport has the 6 disc JBL system .... and if I am not mistaken one of the girls I work with has a 6 disk non-jbl in her SR5.

are you sure its a 6 Disk Non JBL??? I believe the only 6 Disc in dash units are the JBL versions or later get the SCION 6 Disc in dash.

I think the base head unit accepts an externally mounted 6 disc cd changer so maybe thats what she has???

 

[UoD]

yeah --- I think hers ended up being aftermarket.