Sharkattack87
New member
Sweet looking set up, what year 4Runner do you have? Do you know what year ECU's that head is compatible with?
Thanks
What's the best head unit?
- Thread starter PCF4runner
- Start date
Sweet looking set up, what year 4Runner do you have? Do you know what year ECU's that head is compatible with?
Thanks
57buick
New member
Mine is a 2018 but the head unit will work in any model year, that doesn't matter. Just a matter of using the correct wiring diagram for your truck
4
4Runner fun
Guest
Following this, and really wanting to see 3rd gen options. later gens will have different interfaces that don't really apply.
I've been leaning towards an android based unit, and running the torque app. into it.
opinions?
I've been leaning towards an android based unit, and running the torque app. into it.
opinions?
apohl17
New member
I recently installed a Kenwood ddx9902s for its awesome screen tilt feature and awesome sound quality. Any double din will fit, can find these used for under $200 on the 'bay. This radio, as well as any future models have screen mirroring so you could (presumably) view torque on your phone through the stereo. I personally use a scangauge because I'll have my phone busy running through Android Auto (nav&tunes).
I started with a cheap HU and was disappointed with audio quality and UI. I learned my lesson, and took my dash apart a half dozen more times than it needed to be! Just my 2 cents.
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RunningForNow
Member
I installed a Jensen VX4024 HU two months ago and couldn’t be happier. My only gripe is the boot up time for when you start the car. It does take about 20 seconds before the sound comes on. I went with this unit because it’s not expensive, and I’m not an audiophile. It sounds decent enough with enough power to drive the 5 1/4” speakers sufficiently. The unit comes with radio/sat/cd/mp3/Apple CarPlay/Android. It has a micro SD slot, and can integrate with a reverse camera (I don’t have it...I don’t need it).
But what impresses me about this unit is the ability to be able to blend the display color to match the stock green interior color. I’m pretty OCD about stuff like this. I’ll eventually do the LED instrument panel upgrade, but for now, if I’m going to live with the outdated green, I want my HU to match the color.
I ordered it through Crutchfield and paid extra for the harness. The entire installation process would have take about 30 minutes if I didn’t have to clean up the wiring from the PO, with wires twisted together, looking absolutely half-assed. Since I don’t want an electrical fire, I took the time to undo those wires, soldered them together, and heat shielded them.
If there’s anything I hate, it’s when people do a half-ass job on a project.
But what impresses me about this unit is the ability to be able to blend the display color to match the stock green interior color. I’m pretty OCD about stuff like this. I’ll eventually do the LED instrument panel upgrade, but for now, if I’m going to live with the outdated green, I want my HU to match the color.
I ordered it through Crutchfield and paid extra for the harness. The entire installation process would have take about 30 minutes if I didn’t have to clean up the wiring from the PO, with wires twisted together, looking absolutely half-assed. Since I don’t want an electrical fire, I took the time to undo those wires, soldered them together, and heat shielded them.
If there’s anything I hate, it’s when people do a half-ass job on a project.
4
4Runner fun
Guest
I have a Kenwood Excelon dnx891hd in another vehicle and the mirror is not so great, also I'm looking at the least amount of steps, and that's about the longest route to gauges, running thru my phone to the radio.
right now I'm using a Samsung Tab straight from the OBD2, and was looking for opinions on Android radios to clean up the # of devices and not be as busy.
Attachments
How's the unit holding up? What's been a gripe or two that bothers you and what do you esp like about it? How was AM FM reception affected.
Johnny0
New member
I put a Pioneer AVH double din in mine. I really like it. I had the entire interior out when I first bought it because it was so effing dirty. This access made it really easy to run new speaker wires, amp under driver seat. the most difficult wire to run was for back up camera, Getting the wires through the stock boot into the tailgate was a PITA.
I took out one of the cigarette ports in the center console and replaced it was USB/AUX ports that connect to the back of the pioneer. I can use a 64 GB flash drive and the AVH allows me to access it from the screen . . . sweet!
I took out one of the cigarette ports in the center console and replaced it was USB/AUX ports that connect to the back of the pioneer. I can use a 64 GB flash drive and the AVH allows me to access it from the screen . . . sweet!
TheSaturnV
Member
I put in a Pioneer AVH-5600BHS quite a few years ago and in my opinion completely transformed the truck. If I had to replace it, I'd go with another AVH series in a heartbeat. It sounds great, controls are easy to use and you can customize the home screen and color of the button backlighting to match the existing and kind of take on an OEM Toyota look.
The BT automatically hooks up to my phone first time, every time and sounds great on speaker (both ends of conversation). It's got a CD/DVD behind the motorized screen which can be fine-tune adjusted so it doesn't hit your shifter in park.
You can watch movies in park, and your passengers can while driving with a simple little override mod. I realize most double din head units probably all have these features by now, but like I said, it really transformed the truck.
The only functionality I would add is the ability to pull up your phone's NAV on screen, and possibly the web browser.
The BT automatically hooks up to my phone first time, every time and sounds great on speaker (both ends of conversation). It's got a CD/DVD behind the motorized screen which can be fine-tune adjusted so it doesn't hit your shifter in park.
You can watch movies in park, and your passengers can while driving with a simple little override mod. I realize most double din head units probably all have these features by now, but like I said, it really transformed the truck.
The only functionality I would add is the ability to pull up your phone's NAV on screen, and possibly the web browser.
brillo_76
Elite Member
I say the best head unit would be the ones that work. 
everyone has different needs and want different features.
I like the OEM ones. Some forum users even put newer Toyota OEM head units back in.
I probably going to go with an android based one here as I want my torque pro app on and would like to have a backup camera setup.
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everyone has different needs and want different features. I like the OEM ones. Some forum users even put newer Toyota OEM head units back in.
I probably going to go with an android based one here as I want my torque pro app on and would like to have a backup camera setup.
Sent from my SM-J337V using Tapatalk
19963.4lsr5
New member
I still stand by my post 37 and 39. That T1819 scion radio is the best sounding factory 300w radio I ever heard. Bonus points for Bluetooth calling etc. I paid 50 dollars on Craig’s list for it. It came with the adapter harness’s which saved some money.
It does require some modifications I cover in my thread. But, it rocks enough for a guy in his 50’s that still remembers the 80’s and still has his hearing to prove it. It also looks factory which means it won’t be looked at twice.
I liked it so much I installed the same type in my Saturn S Series. I’ll never go back. I eventually upgraded the T1819 scion radio to a 2013 Corolla NAV unit with Entune. I am most pleased with either system and it looks factory. Knowone will steal it. Trust me.....it’s a great choice for the 50 dollars I spent on Craig’s list for the T1819 Scion radio complete with the Toyota adapter harnesses.
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It does require some modifications I cover in my thread. But, it rocks enough for a guy in his 50’s that still remembers the 80’s and still has his hearing to prove it. It also looks factory which means it won’t be looked at twice.
I liked it so much I installed the same type in my Saturn S Series. I’ll never go back. I eventually upgraded the T1819 scion radio to a 2013 Corolla NAV unit with Entune. I am most pleased with either system and it looks factory. Knowone will steal it. Trust me.....it’s a great choice for the 50 dollars I spent on Craig’s list for the T1819 Scion radio complete with the Toyota adapter harnesses.
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VGKBlackhawks
New member
I installed an Alpine iLX-LX-650 with the amp that fits on the bracket behind it, the KTA-450. I have not been very happy for the price. The Android Auto doesn't have the same features as the stand alone apps, and is buggy. Upgrades haven't helped that. Nit picky, but every time I use an app, the antenna motor (connected to a broken antenna that stays up all the time) runs... probably not an issue for you. In order to adjust the EQ you have to have the parking brake on or buy the bypass. My parking brake sucks, so not that big of a deal, but that's dumb. The sound is vastly different between Tidal and the FM that massive adjustments are required. Bluetooth integration was seamless for my S9 though. Android auto was super picky about the USB cable I used as well. It would disconnect every time my phone screen went blank. It helped to turn off power saving on the phone, but it still disconnected a lot until I got a "good" cable.
I believed Crutchfield reviews and bought some Focal ISC 6.5" speakers for $80 (on "sale") because the stock speakers were distorting at moderate volume. They are no kidding worse than stock. The tweeters are shrill and the low end is comical, even for a 6.5". Don't be cheap on the speakers like me, unless you've actually heard them first. Send me your stock speakers when you upgrade (JK) so I can throw these away!
Good luck!
I believed Crutchfield reviews and bought some Focal ISC 6.5" speakers for $80 (on "sale") because the stock speakers were distorting at moderate volume. They are no kidding worse than stock. The tweeters are shrill and the low end is comical, even for a 6.5". Don't be cheap on the speakers like me, unless you've actually heard them first. Send me your stock speakers when you upgrade (JK) so I can throw these away!
Good luck!
Tha Krazy One
New member
Wow, I was debating between that Alpine you have and the Pioneer DMH-1500NEX but due to what you say, I think I just made my decision. This won't be done until March when Tax Time comes in aka Christmas for adults. I am also gonna swap out the speakers. Not sure if I'm going with Kicker KS series or Orion XTR series.
TheSaturnV
Member
Again, my Pioneer has been fantastic and sounds great. I may bump up to the 1500 at some point, but for now still loving the 5600.
You won't regret it Krazy.
You won't regret it Krazy.
19963.4lsr5
New member
My factory T1819 and later a 2013 NAV-Entune unit out of a Corolla is still awesome and knowone will think of stealing it. I’ll admit the T1819 is a little more user friendly with regards to calling while moving. But it’s worth having the NAV and what’s left of the Entune Apps over the T1819. All though the T1819 300w system does rock better, I wanted the Factory NAV.
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Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
R3Z3N
New member
Personally enjoying my Alpine ILX-650. I have the parking brake bypass, and I knew to use quality USB-C cable for due to understanding the tech.
I only wanted Android Auto, which works quickly. Radio works fine for me, and I use the stock speakers, no additional amp.
Bluetooth has been working as it should.
For a cheap truck that I intend on beating on, this works perfect.
If this was for my $2500 stereo install for my other car build (now sold) I would go with an Pioneer DEH-80PRS single din, or a double Din AVH-2500NEX.
I only wanted Android Auto, which works quickly. Radio works fine for me, and I use the stock speakers, no additional amp.
Bluetooth has been working as it should.
For a cheap truck that I intend on beating on, this works perfect.
If this was for my $2500 stereo install for my other car build (now sold) I would go with an Pioneer DEH-80PRS single din, or a double Din AVH-2500NEX.
UnderFire
New member
A lot of it is personal preference. I've had a lot of aftermarket over the years. Started disliking any alpine units newer than 2013 and had nothing but bad luck with Kenwood units in general. Double dins and touch screens aren't really my thing either. I eventually narrowed it down to high-end pioneer single din units, haven't had the top-dog 80PRS, but have had one step down in quite a few years' models and have liked them all. Currently have an 8800BHS and 8700BS. Both are good, I like the control scheme on the 8700 a little more.
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I just got an atoto pro, installing Thursday. Will let you know how it is.
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dcshipwreck
New member
let me know how you like it, i've been eyeballing them for a long long time but need real world reviews to make the $240 plunge. after it mainly for streaming google play music and maps
EDIT: this is the version i was looking into since it comes with the toyota harness already.
https://www.amazon.com/ATOTO-Android-Navigation-Stereo-Bluetooth/dp/B075W9H5P3/ref=sr_1_1?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1532173032&sr=8-1&keywords=atoto&th=1
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