newbie needs help - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

sade · 09-19-2003, 06:48 AM

Hi all,

I just bought a 99 4Runner and the audio system sucks big time. The previous owner had installed an old Sony cd player that could only play through some FM chanel. I'd like to replace the whole system (HU, speakers, add amp) but I don't wanna spend more than $600 for it, any suggestions on what to get ?

Thanks for your help.

Sade

Luc · 09-19-2003, 09:16 PM

There are quite a few brands that you can choose. The first price difference is whether you want a MP3-playable deck or not. For no-MP3 playback, you can easily get a deck for under $200, something like the Eclipse 3402 or Alpine 9805. For MP3 (and some WMA) playback, the next step up like the Eclipse 3403, Alpine 9807, or Pioneer 450MP can do that. I'm only speaking from what my store sells, so, there are other brands out there, and these decks will run about $250. For a 4-ch no-frill amp, $200 is plenty, then $150 for speakers should be no problems for front and rear. Also, get an amp kit, which may be about $30, a harness adapter that will be $15. If you install them, the labor will be free, otherwise, the labor could be up to $200. So, at most, you can end up paying ~$850 installed, which is over your budget. Of course, these are all based on new product prices.

If you don't mind used stuff, my friend is selling his 2-month old Kenwood KDC-MP819 for $100, includes everything, and an Audiobahn 4-ch amp (don't know model nor price). I know that he takes care of his equipment, so they aren't abused.

***Phi*** · 09-19-2003, 11:40 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Luc
the labor could be up to $200.

How exactly do you justify charging such a price for your crappy service :p

Luc's one of our resident audio experts and actually works at a shop while he finds a REAL job

and so his numbers should be pretty accurate.

You'll save a ton of money getting used items and installing yourself.

sade · 09-20-2003, 06:33 AM

Thanks guys for your input. I was thinking about getting this HU JVC KD-S890 (gotta have MP3 playback

), should I get an amp to go with it ?

Thanks,

Sade

Luc · 09-20-2003, 02:01 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Phi
How exactly do you justify charging such a price for your crappy service :p

You should be thankful that I didn't install those speakers for ya last time I was up there.

Quote:

Originally posted by Sade
Thanks guys for your input. I was thinking about getting this HU JVC KD-S890 (gotta have MP3 playback ), should I get an amp to go with it ?

You won't need to get an external amp as long as you are satisfied with the sound output from the headunit. So it doesn't hurt to get the HU first. If the previous owner didn't upgrade the factory speakers, do so, it will make a difference.

sade · 09-20-2003, 05:24 PM

I think I'm gonna start by changing the HU (is JVC any good ?) and the front & back speakers. By the way, does anybody know what speakers size the 99 4runner ? i've searched the internet and everybody has a different answer.

Thanks,

Sade

Luc · 09-20-2003, 07:03 PM

If you are set on JVC, then just get it, otherwise, look around for similar features & prices from other brands. The front will take 6.5" and rear will take 5.25" speakers.

sade · 09-21-2003, 07:25 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Luc
If you are set on JVC, then just get it, otherwise, look around for similar features & prices from other brands. The front will take 6.5" and rear will take 5.25" speakers.

I think I will go with Alpine SPR-136A 5 1/4" & Alpine SPR-174A 6 1/2" for the speakers. Now I need to get an installation kit & wiring Harnesses ? I'm looking at the ones at etronics and it does not tell me what's needed for my car.

Thanks,

Sade

sade · 09-21-2003, 09:38 AM

Is this the kit that I need ?

http://www.avsmarts.com/cgi-bin/avs/TOYK997.html

Thanks,

Sade

Luc · 09-21-2003, 07:44 PM

You can get that kit if you want a recessed look, otherwise, you can just use the factory brackets. I'm assuming that the Sony in there is a RF-modulated CD changer and your factory radio is still in there, with the 3-in-1 double DIN. When you replace the factory headunit, you will need a harness from Metra, 70-1761, and pocket, 88-00-8000. Wire up the Metra & JVC harnesses together according to the colors, and attach the pocket under the radio with the factory brackets. At that time, remove the RF modulator for the Sony changer as well, probably inside the radio cavity somewhere. The OEM amp is inside the cavity also and you will bypass that.

sade · 09-22-2003, 09:11 PM

Thanks Luc for the info. I will come back once I have everything installed.

sade · 10-03-2003, 02:01 PM

Ok, I got the HU & speakers but I cannot seem to find a store online that carries these 3 items :

TOYK997 Radio Install Kit
Metra 70-1761
pocket 88-00-8000

Or is there a retail store out there where I can find them ?

Thanks,

Sade

***Phi*** · 10-03-2003, 03:35 PM

I just threw all those parts on google.com and was able to find online sellers for all of them. Any reputable audio shop should be able to order the parts for ya.

sade · 10-03-2003, 05:24 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Phi
I just threw all those parts on google.com and was able to find online sellers for all of them. Any reputable audio shop should be able to order the parts for ya.

What are the stores your search came up with ? I've tried that and I could find stores with only 2 items (out of 3).

Sade

Luc · 10-03-2003, 10:49 PM

Take a look at this link for the nearest HiFi Buys to you. They will be able to get the parts for you. I'm not sure whether that kit will be attainable, but the wire harness & pocket should be in stock. I did a quick search for the kit under Yahoo, and here was one store that seem to carry it. With this kit, you wouldn't need the pocket, it seems like. Again, you can just use the factory brackets to mount the radio.