storage compartment mod
- Thread starter CSL
- Start date
phattyduck
Elite Member
Yes, though it also requires some cutting of the sheet metal behind the panel. There has been a thread or two on here... search for it using a Google search with
Code:
site:http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs-Charlie
Fisheroon
New member
Bumping this thread since I just did this mod. I would estimate the area to be around 5" deep at its widest point. I didn't seem to gain much depth by removing the black liner, but gained a fair amount of room towards the front/rear of the vehicle.
6162A084-0E65-43D6-AE83-61BF50BB75F1 by , on Flickr[url=https://flic.kr/p/24HPriD]
AC21BB64-61BA-47FA-B0E5-1B8672AAD1EC by https://www.flickr.com/photos/140393666@N08/, on FlickrI carpeted the area as suggested in this thread and have noticed zero noise from things moving around. I fit a power inverter, air compressor with hose, Gerber hatchet, 30' recovery strap, small first aid kit and a bivy sack so far.
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I second putting on the carpet or something like it. I already had peel and stick to dampen sheet metal vibrations. Wouldn’t put any cargo against the bare metal, for sure.
I was hoping to store long items on the top, but filled it up pretty much quickly and ran out of room.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I was hoping to store long items on the top, but filled it up pretty much quickly and ran out of room.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
JZiggy
Senior Member
Novashards
Member
Nice mod, This'll give me alot more space to store gear out of sight.
phattyduck
Elite Member
There's a lot less space on that side due to the fuel filler neck and vent system over there.
-Charlie
gamefreakgc
Elite Member
Yeah when I had mine off there's not really much space at all. I suppose you could deckplate it but there's no defined beginning/end to the space so stuff will flop around and possible clog the vent.
TonyB66
New member
If I'm understanding the location correctly, here's how someone used that spot, in case you missed it:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-g...-arb-twin-compressor-mounted-their-trunk.html
JZiggy
Senior Member
If I'm understanding the location correctly, here's how someone used that spot, in case you missed it:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-g...-arb-twin-compressor-mounted-their-trunk.html
Exactly. In 4Runner terms that’s kind of a lot of real estate. Seems that an access door on that side and some way of protecting the vent assembly below could be handy.
I think the old 1st gens had cargo doors on both sides.
If I'm understanding the location correctly, here's how someone used that spot, in case you missed it:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-g...-arb-twin-compressor-mounted-their-trunk.html
I like that, just need to figure out a door
phattyduck
Elite Member
It is. The open space used by the compressor in that photo is in the way of part of the vent system that is built into the back side of the trim panel. That part can be removed though, I suppose.
-Charlie
habanero
Senior Member
That little black plastic ductwork to direct the air for the vent is sorta melt-attached, I did pop it off to fit the viair (my 96 in the pic above as identified by jziggy), I suppose it allows for dust to get more everywhere but judging by the amount of it when I pulled the panels (see pic, pre-duct removal dust), it was getting more everywhere anyway. Could be now it's getting more more everywhere. The Viair filter at the top corner of the cargo area stays pretty clean though.
Edit: Found a pic for reference:
The flap thingy was missing on my vent, I need to make one of those. I am currently using some folded up remnant of an old furnace filter. Without it I get a fair amount of dust in the cabin via the vent.
To add to the door discussion:
I did use a cubby door out of some junkyard thing or another, and it works okay but is awkward looking. Can't remember the last time I used it. Sorta like the door on the 96's passenger side cargo, with catches at top and bottom. Unfortunately it sits on top of the panel, not flush. There's likely a better way!
Without removing the ductwork maybe it'd be possible to turn the upper part of it into a small cubby? That or the space at the far end, in front of the taillights. Both spaces are pretty small, though.
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JZiggy
Senior Member
That little black plastic ductwork to direct the air for the vent is sorta melt-attached, I did pop it off to fit the viair (my 96 in the pic above as identified by jziggy), I suppose it allows for dust to get more everywhere but judging by the amount of it when I pulled the panels (see pic, pre-duct removal dust), it was getting more everywhere anyway. Could be now it's getting more more everywhere. The Viair filter at the top corner of the cargo area stays pretty clean though.
Edit: Found a pic for reference:
The flap thingy was missing on my vent, I need to make one of those. I am currently using some folded up remnant of an old furnace filter. Without it I get a fair amount of dust in the cabin via the vent.
To add to the door discussion:
I did use a cubby door out of some junkyard thing or another, and it works okay but is awkward looking. Can't remember the last time I used it. Sorta like the door on the 96's passenger side cargo, with catches at top and bottom. Unfortunately it sits on top of the panel, not flush. There's likely a better way!
Without removing the ductwork maybe it'd be possible to turn the upper part of it into a small cubby? That or the space at the far end, in front of the taillights. Both spaces are pretty small, though.
I had forgotten about the black plastic thingy that plugs into the bottom vent. It's huge and takes up most of that volume. I wonder if it is really necessary? It looks like the wad of fiberglass or other matting that stuffs into the vent is doing all the real dust prevention, not sure what purpose the black plastic housing serves.
[MENTION=5345]habanero[/MENTION] did you keep your black plastic thingy after removing it?
alexnumberone
New member
Super easy mod, did it today and it was a breeze! Took my time to try to not break any clips though haha. Just need to grab some carpet to line the inside now.
