Stereo question install

[TrexRunnerGirl]

I'm going to switch out the factory stereo with something new.
I've searched the forum and found some good info like go to Crutchfield and get the stereo, wiring and get them to do the harness so it's basically plug n play (I hope).
Most seem to get a single din and it has BT and a built in speaker.

Questions:
Do I leave the amp or have to wire it into the new stereo?
Is there a bracket at Crutchfield for the single din (the surround) so you get an extra `junk space` for like glasses or such?
Will the double din fit pretty nicely so no other surround is needed?
I changed my auto antenna to fixed but that shouldn't be an issue right?
Do I need the toyota wiring schematic and that's available online or from here?

The whole splicing wires together isn't so bad but I hope I get the right ones together thus I prefer the plug n play. I'm OK with mechanics but not so with wiring stuff.

 

[heat]

Wiring will consist of a universal adapter that connects the truck to the adapter
of the head unit. You'll have to solder or crimp. Wires are marked, no schematic
needed. Your antenna's fine.

I put a double din in mine, using the stock unit's brackets. They needed a little
help- drilled a couple of holes, nothing major. The trim lays up against the
front of the HU, no faceplate required.

If you get a single din, Crutchfield should have a cubby to fill the other half. I
haven't checked.

 

[nissanh]

Toyota’s have 10+6 wire pin connectors. Stereo’s without the amp has 10+6 wire pin connectors at the back. Head unit with the amp has a different wiring but after the amp, it is again 10+6 wire pin connectors.
The adaptor you’ll buy will be 10+6 male pins that plugs right into the Toyota main wiring harness. The wires on the other side of the adaptor are labeled so you can connect those to the aftermarket stereo. This will eliminate the amp.
The OEM bracket still got mounting holes for a 1-DIN stereo. Buy a storage pocket which is also 1-DIN in size (famous on 92-97 camry’s) to fill the remaining space. It will bolt right on to the OEM bracket.
You do not need other surrounds if you go as I said above
No problem with the antenna
See the 2nd picture posted by Fordnut
https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/Discussion-t18007_ds661820
Top pin connector got 10 pins and the other got 6 pins

 

[Ghostrider]

More of an fyi for other people doing this. The antenna in her case is fixed but if you keep the motorized version - whether it works or not is dependant on the stereo. I did two different ones on my 01 - the Pioneer supported the antenna function and the Sony did not. I probably could have easily figured a way to enable it but did not try

 

[apohl17]

Just installed a Boss double-din touchscreen setup w/ rearview cam (and secondary bypass switch) yesterday. I created a lot of extra work for myself with the backup cam, but the installation of the head unit is a breeze. You'll have to buy a metra Toyota harness with the 10+6 connectors, then just crimp or solder the wires to match like the others said (I used white closed end crimps for security and less connections). Remove dash trim and unplug all connectors, remove factory stereo and brackets, reinstall factory brackets onto new stereo, plug in your new harness, and reassemble.

I routed a BT mic up to the visor and if the new stereo has gps, you\ll want to route that up on top of the dash. And of course, a camera needs routing to the back hatch, through the hatch, and around the window assembly so the window does rip it out when it rolls down... Shoot me a PM if you need more info or assistance!

 

[TheDurk]

Here is your DIN cubby (COVER, STEREO in Toyotaspeak):

It just bolts in.

 

[Hepar]

Definitely pull the stock amp. Any wiring harness you buy will mate up with the plugs that go into the amp and not the ones coming from the amp. Plus, it's useless even when compared to the low-powered ones that are in most aftermarket head units.

The only reason they had an external amp was to save some space at the head until itself. Think, would you ever yank a stock stereo head unit from another vehicle around that age, pull it apart, take out the internal amp inside and add that to your new stereo?

 

[apohl17]

Definitely pull the stock amp. Any wiring harness you buy will mate up with the plugs that go into the amp and not the ones coming from the amp. Plus, it's useless even when compared to the low-powered ones that are in most aftermarket head units.

The only reason they had an external amp was to save some space at the head until itself. Think, would you ever yank a stock stereo head unit from another vehicle around that age, pull it apart, take out the internal amp inside and add that to your new stereo?

I'll second this. My 2000 did not have a factory amp (if it did, the previous owner removed it) so I didn't have to make a point to pull it out. I will say, that extra room beneath the HU without the amp is nice for routing switches!

 

[TrexRunnerGirl]

Thanks! I've looked at that Boss stereo but think I just want a single din and then have the extra space.

So go ahead and pull out the amp and then I'll just have wires to crimp together. I think I have this right. Go to Toyota to get the cubby also?

If I were to have someone else do this do I still pull the amp out first?

I'll get my stuff ordered from cruthfield and tackle this soon.

 

[TrexRunnerGirl]

BTW I picked up the din converter kit from Walmart, that should still work once I have the new stereo correct?

 

[Hepar]

Thanks! I've looked at that Boss stereo but think I just want a single din and then have the extra space.

So go ahead and pull out the amp and then I'll just have wires to crimp together. I think I have this right. Go to Toyota to get the cubby also?

If I were to have someone else do this do I still pull the amp out first?

I'll get my stuff ordered from cruthfield and tackle this soon.

Honestly, with the aftermarket wiring harnesses, pulling the dash apart is the hardest part. If you're willing to go that far, you may as well do the entire thing. All you need to do is swap out the brackets from the OEM head unit to the new one and add a cubby and then reverse the process.

BTW I picked up the din converter kit from Walmart, that should still work once I have the new stereo correct?

Not sure what that includes, but I'd honestly just grab an OEM pocket.

 

[TrexRunnerGirl]

How important is pre-amp voltage? I'm looking at Kenwod and Sony from Crutchfield. And how important is the amp power?
I've got stock speakers and not upgrading those.

 

[Hepar]

How important is pre-amp voltage? I'm looking at Kenwod and Sony from Crutchfield. And how important is the amp power?
I've got stock speakers and not upgrading those.

If you're not changing out your stock speakers, don't bother with an external amp. Unless your new head unit doesn't not have an internal amp (which the vast majority of head units do). The internal one in whatever you buy will be plenty.

 

[Dangler83]

I've installed a few aftermarket radios in my time, and if you're running stock door speakers the power from the aftermarket radio will be more than enough. They typically put out more wattage that stock units. more power, the higher the volume you'll be able to go before the speakers distort. If you ever decide to do the door speakers then an aftermarket amp down the road is recommended. Just picked up a 2002 4Runner, I have a Kenwood radio from another car I'm about to put in it. ordered the radio single-din dash kit and wiring harness adapter from Metra.

 

[TrexRunnerGirl]

Got it ordered and hope it’s here Monday. Then the real fun begins!
Decided to go with a DD. Just because.

 

[octanejunkie]

Many of us have done this, I posted about it somewhere with part numbers for the adapters, but it's totes easy

Single Din stereo with BT, cubby or blank (future place for switches or CB/HAM) factory to aftermarket wire harness adapter and antenna adapters (2) a micro and a Y

The install will take you an hour if you stop to take a nap, or it's your first time. It's really one of the more straight forward updates. I did an antenna switch mod at the same time and in all honesty, I never raise the main antenna, the one it the rear glass catches most every station I listen to.

If you need me to look the PNs up send me a beer via PM

 

[TrexRunnerGirl]

Octane your the best

I don’t currently plan on going mod crazy like y’all do even though it’s tempting.
I checked with Crutchfield and I can return the DD if I hate it. The buttons are low so have to see. But they are large and my eyesight is not as good as a 20 yr old.

I’ll give you a holla if I get stumped. I already switched the auto antenna to fixed via all the help n videos here. So much better than the constant whirring.

 

[BoomSticks]

Search, and you will find.........

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/124628-3rd-gen-stereo-head-unit-install-w-pics-6.html

 

[2ndhandyotaman]

When I had the 2000 4runner, I swapped in a Alpine 9856 just because I had it on hand. THe lower mounting position of the deck made it a bit distracting to look at the screen and find the correct buttons to push while scrolling through the iPod. I thought about swapping spots with the auto climate control and the stereo to make the stereo screen easier to see.

I never got to the point of doing the swap before that Runner got sold. With my '99 that I now have, I'm planning on moving up to a touch screen DD stereo just make life a bit easier.

If you're upgrading speakers, I have a few sets of the 6.5" adapters for the rear doors that I made for the 4runner.

 

[TrexRunnerGirl]

When I had the 2000 4runner, I swapped in a Alpine 9856 just because I had it on hand. THe lower mounting position of the deck made it a bit distracting to look at the screen and find the correct buttons to push while scrolling through the iPod. I thought about swapping spots with the auto climate control and the stereo to make the stereo screen easier to see.

I never got to the point of doing the swap before that Runner got sold. With my '99 that I now have, I'm planning on moving up to a touch screen DD stereo just make life a bit easier.

If you're upgrading speakers, I have a few sets of the 6.5" adapters for the rear doors that I made for the 4runner.

I’ve thought swapping the heater unit and stereo might be an option too. Maybe going SD it’d be possible? I’m sure just a matter of retiring stuff a bit.
Has anyone here done that swap?? Pictures if you have.