Installing Ipod in 4RUnner with JBL

[bulldog]

I wanted to get my Ipod mini working wiht my JBL stereo in the 4Runner, but have good quality audio and use the steering wheel controls.

FInally got an iterface unit and installed it. Here is the write up.
http://www.toyota120.com/html/4runner_ipod_installation.html

[fljeremy]

DO you know if that Ipod installation will also work on the stock non JBL without cdchanger radio? I have a 2004 runner

thanks

[bulldog]

DO you know if that Ipod installation will also work on the stock non JBL without cdchanger radio? I have a 2004 runner

thanks
Not sure you will have to check with the resellers of the unit you want to use.

[Icemul]

DO you know if that Ipod installation will also work on the stock non JBL without cdchanger radio? I have a 2004 runner

thanks

Yep it should, it worked on mine. Even though you don't have a cdchanger, there is a port on the back of the stock radio that allows you to hook up a cdchanger. All you have to do is hit the CD button on the radio twice to get it to play. Only thing you have to worry about is if the interface has the hookups for your year/model.

[Photog]

The photo of the finished installation shows a stock (non-JBL) stereo, in the background.

The system also worked in my rig, using the USA SPEC TOY-PA-11.

[Iron Clad Lou]

nice! I have DICE installed on mine.

[bulldog]

The photo of the finished installation shows a stock (non-JBL) stereo, in the background.

The system also worked in my rig, using the USA SPEC TOY-PA-11.

The stereo in the finshed photo is a JBL system. It's in my 4Runner.

[Photog]

Oops,
I went back and looked closer. You are correct (obviously, since it is your stereo). At first glance, it looks like a non-JBL stereo.
Spank me. :spank:

[AlexJet]

I got iPod Touch 2nd Gen for this Christmas from my wife. I've bought Belkin cradle with FM modulator, but sometimes (allot...) it interfear with other stations and quality is bad. So I thought to install some sort of a transition unit. Looks like this is a solution.
Is this the only solution we have for our trucks?
I found this one for 199 on the link (http://www.mp3yourcar.com/product_info.php?products_id=10044):
http://www.mp3yourcar.com/images/BoxDCoil200x156.jpg
Do I need this USA SPEC TOY-PA-11 (http://www.icarkits.com/product_info.php?products_id=3330) for JBL 6-in dash system in addition to the first one?
http://www.icarkits.com/images/SpecCase.jpg

[bulldog]

I think there are many units out now that will work with the 4Runner.

I'm going to install this unit in the GX today. Seems to be a much better unit than what I put in the 4Runner.

http://www.vaistech.com/sl2i.php

Also look at Proclip for mounting solutions. They have some cool mounts and holders for electronics.

[AlexJet]

I think there are many units out now that will work with the 4Runner.

I'm going to install this unit in the GX today. Seems to be a much better unit than what I put in the 4Runner.

http://www.vaistech.com/sl2i.php

Also look at Proclip for mounting solutions. They have some cool mounts and holders for electronics.

This looks nice, but I can't see the actual unit and how it hooks up to the iPod...:(

So, which one you guys recommend for JBL 6 in-dash radio (V6 Limited) from price/quality and easy to use point of view?

[bulldog]

Call them and see what they say. They have a very good reputation in the Lexus community.

Hopefully I can report back on the unit later today.

The unit I installed in the 4Runner is OK, but I would recommend some newer units. Not sure on all that is available now.

[AlexJet]

I've been searching the internet for a last hour and I couldn't find ant kits which connects to our factory radio and have "AUX" input. This will be great as I can use my cable to connect iPod to it and have a cradle installed. USA-SPEC and similar units have direct iPod plug which does not allow to install the iPod in the cradle. Is anyone seen such units?

[AlexJet]

I've emailed them. Got a reply only from Vaistech.
They mentioned that the system will have a cable which I have to hook-up to my iPod and I'd be able to control it from the radio. They mainly do this system for Lexus owners who has 7" display in radio and because of that controling iPod is very good. My stock radio got just 1 line with 10 or 12 digits to display characters, so controling iPod from radio is not that nice.
Because of this I would like to aska question to people having this and other systems to post-up their opinion on their system.
So far based on price, USA-SPEC is a good option for me. Plus with optional cable I can hook-up diferent devices with 3.5mm jack. How good id this system?
Brian, how was the install and how do you like it?
Joel, what is your experience with your NEO system? link (http://www.toyota120.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3376&highlight=iPod)
http://www.oemautosound.com/wolthuis.aspx?productid=158&size=large
http://www.oemautosound.com/wolthuis.aspx?productid=351&size=large

[AlexJet]

I found this one:
Dice I-Toyota-R (http://www.oemautosound.com/pc-367-113-dice-i-toyota-r-toyota-1998-to-2007-ipod-kit-text-ready.aspx)
Does anyone know anything about it?

http://www.oemautosound.com/wolthuis.aspx?productid=367&size=largehttps://www.oemautosound.com/images/dice.gif

[expat]

The DICE has been around for a while I believe. I think I use to hear about in at T4R when I was allowed (and wanted to be) over there some years ago. I could be wrong tho. I don't have iPod.

[4mudder]

I've been searching the internet for a last hour and I couldn't find ant kits which connects to our factory radio and have "AUX" input. This will be great as I can use my cable to connect iPod to it and have a cradle installed. USA-SPEC and similar units have direct iPod plug which does not allow to install the iPod in the cradle. Is anyone seen such units?

Alex,
Have you considered upgrading your entire factory radio to an IPOD capable unit such as this one...http://www.crutchfield.com/p_500CDA9884/Alpine-CDA-9884.html?search=Alpine+VENDORID500&searchdisplay=Alpine&tp=5684

The only additional thing you would need is a Metra installation kit, about $20US I believe.

[AlexJet]

Alex,
Have you considered upgrading your entire factory radio to an IPOD capable unit such as this one...http://www.crutchfield.com/p_500CDA9884/Alpine-CDA-9884.html?search=Alpine+VENDORID500&searchdisplay=Alpine&tp=5684

The only additional thing you would need is a Metra installation kit, about $20US I believe.

May be I missed it, but I couldn't see that it supports iPod on their page.
Another thing is its single-din and I have nice double-din. I may consider swaping to double-din. I do have a concern of connectors on the back of the radio if they will fit aftermarket radio and if there any adapters to convert them. One more major thing is that I can't find radio which will works with my steering wheel controls and of course price factor. OEM Toyota unit from '06 model which has AUX cost $2'000+.

[AlexJet]

The DICE has been around for a while I believe. I think I use to hear about in at T4R when I was allowed (and wanted to be) over there some years ago. I could be wrong tho. I don't have iPod.

Anything good or bad about DICE? Do you remember anything regarding it?

[4mudder]

May be I missed it, but I couldn't see that it supports iPod on their page.
Another thing is its single-din and I have nice double-din. I may consider swaping to double-din. I do have a concern of connectors on the back of the radio if they will fit aftermarket radio and if there any adapters to convert them. One more major thing is that I can't find radio which will works with my steering wheel controls and of course price factor. OEM Toyota unit from '06 model which has AUX cost $2'000+.

Alex,
The unit in the link comes with an Ipod cable that plugs in the back of the radio and allows you to control the Ipod from your radio. I have a similar unit in my truck and my Ipod is hidden in the glove box. The Metra kit will fill in your double-din opening and give you a little cubby for storage (or in my case a CB). See my build thread for pics. Also, I forgot to add, you will need a plug and play wiring harness adapter to hook up the aftermarket radio to your stock connectors, about ($10US). The link says this radio will work with steering wheel controls but if you call the guys at Crutchfield they'll be able to answer your questions regarding steering wheel controls and what radios will work.

Or you could step up to a nice double-din multimedia unit with on screen display, etc... but that would cost more. $300US - $2000US. I was just trying to show you an Ipod capable aftermarket radio that costs about the same as an Ipod adapter. I'm a firm believer that all OEM radios suck.

From the link;
Details:
General features:
CD receiver with built-in amplifier (18 watts RMS CEA-2006/50 peak x 4 channels)
plays CDs, CD-Rs, and CD-RW discs, including discs loaded with MP3, WMA, and AAC music files (except Digital Rights-protected files)
fold-down, detachable face
optional remote control
Audio features:
Bass Engine (bass center frequency, width, and level, plus treble center frequency and level adjustments)
high-pass filter (speakers and front/rear preamp outputs)
Expandability:
compatible with: Alpine Bluetooth® adapter, satellite radio, HD Radio™ tuner, CD changer
compatible with Alpine's PXA-H100 IMPRINT audio processor and KTX-H100 tuning kit
inputs: KCE-422i iPod cable is included, optional aux input
outputs: three sets of preamp outputs (subwoofer output has bass level control)
compatible with most factory steering wheel audio controls (adapter required)

[AlexJet]

Alex,
The unit in the link comes with an Ipod cable that plugs in the back of the radio and allows you to control the Ipod from your radio. I have a similar unit in my truck and my Ipod is hidden in the glove box. The Metra kit will fill in your double-din opening and give you a little cubby for storage (or in my case a CB). See my build thread for pics. Also, I forgot to add, you will need a plug and play wiring harness adapter to hook up the aftermarket radio to your stock connectors, about ($10US). The link says this radio will work with steering wheel controls but if you call the guys at Crutchfield they'll be able to answer your questions regarding steering wheel controls and what radios will work.

Or you could step up to a nice double-din multimedia unit with on screen display, etc... but that would cost more. $300US - $2000US. I was just trying to show you an Ipod capable aftermarket radio that costs about the same as an Ipod adapter. I'm a firm believer that all OEM radios suck.

From the link;
Details:
General features:
CD receiver with built-in amplifier (18 watts RMS CEA-2006/50 peak x 4 channels)
plays CDs, CD-Rs, and CD-RW discs, including discs loaded with MP3, WMA, and AAC music files (except Digital Rights-protected files)
fold-down, detachable face
optional remote control
Audio features:
Bass Engine (bass center frequency, width, and level, plus treble center frequency and level adjustments)
high-pass filter (speakers and front/rear preamp outputs)
Expandability:
compatible with: Alpine Bluetooth® adapter, satellite radio, HD Radio™ tuner, CD changer
compatible with Alpine's PXA-H100 IMPRINT audio processor and KTX-H100 tuning kit
inputs: KCE-422i iPod cable is included, optional aux input
outputs: three sets of preamp outputs (subwoofer output has bass level control)
compatible with most factory steering wheel audio controls (adapter required)

Thanks for the details. I agree with you and if I only can find aftermarket radio under 500 which will works with iPod and steering control, I'd better get it. But so far I can't find one, so if you can point me to some, it would be much appreciated.
P.S. double-din radios is in my interest.

[4mudder]

Alex,
Try these;

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_020M385VD/Clarion-MAX385VD.html?tp=75

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_105AVX710/JVC-KW-AVX710.html?tp=75

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_130AVHP400/Pioneer-AVH-P4000DVD.html?tp=75

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_500IVAW205/Alpine-IVA-W205.html?tp=75

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_130AVICF70/Pioneer-AVIC-F700BT.html?tp=75

All of these DVD receivers are priced between $450US and $550US and the Ipod cables are $20-$50 depending on model. All are high quality brands. Most will also work with steering wheel controls. Hope this helps.

[AlexJet]

Alex,
Try these;

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_020M385VD/Clarion-MAX385VD.html?tp=75

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_105AVX710/JVC-KW-AVX710.html?tp=75

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_130AVHP400/Pioneer-AVH-P4000DVD.html?tp=75

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_500IVAW205/Alpine-IVA-W205.html?tp=75

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_130AVICF70/Pioneer-AVIC-F700BT.html?tp=75

All of these DVD receivers are priced between $450US and $550US and the Ipod cables are $20-$50 depending on model. All are high quality brands. Most will also work with steering wheel controls. Hope this helps.

I checked few of them and found pretty interesting models:

Clarion DUZ385SAT (http://www.crutchfield.com/p_020DUZ385/Clarion-DUZ385SAT.html?showAll=Y&tp=5684) $199 (build-in iPod control) + steering control $75 + Toyota interface $45
http://akamaipix.crutchfield.com/products/20081/020/h020DUZ385-o_mt3.jpeg

JVC KW-XG700 (http://www.crutchfield.com/p_105KWGX700/JVC-KW-XG700.html?showAll=Y&tp=5684) $249 + iPod adapter $49 + steering control $75 + Toyota interface $45
http://akamaipix.crutchfield.com/products/2007/105/p105KWGX700-o_mtBT.jpeg

Kenwood DPX503 (http://www.crutchfield.com/p_113DPX503/Kenwood-DPX503.html?showAll=Y&tp=5684) $319 + iPod adapter $49 + steering control $75 + Toyota interface $45
http://akamaipix.crutchfield.com/products/2008/113/h113DPX503-f_dg.jpeg

The problem is that I already have XM sat readio (XM Comander) and all the radios in internet has build-in Sirius. May I connect my XM to those is still the open question.

What is your opinion?

[4mudder]

Alex,
Nice find!

I think the Kenwood is the way to go. I've had Kenwood products in the past and have always liked them. The biggest advantage of this unit compared to the others is the signal to noise ratio. This radio will have the cleanest sound out of the three, plus you don't need to get an Ipod cable right away. You can use the USB cable that came with your Ipod and retain full functionality and control through the radio. Also the web page says the radio is compatible with both, XM and SIRIUS. Call Crutchfield for more info.

[AlexJet]

Alex,
Nice find!

I think the Kenwood is the way to go. I've had Kenwood products in the past and have always liked them. The biggest advantage of this unit compared to the others is the signal to noise ratio. This radio will have the cleanest sound out of the three, plus you don't need to get an Ipod cable right away. You can use the USB cable that came with your Ipod and retain full functionality and control through the radio. Also the web page says the radio is compatible with both, XM and SIRIUS. Call Crutchfield for more info.

Hmm, unfortunatelly they do not ship to Canada. On their Canadian website I found only one double-din radio and it's the cheapest version of the Kenwood above, plus they do not have steering controls on canadian website either.
Kenwood DPX303 (http://www.crutchfieldcanada.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=113DPX303&CartID=1) $279 + $60 iPod control + + Toyota interface $80.
http://akamaipix.crutchfield.com/products/2008/113/h113DPX303-f_dg.jpeg

It looks like I'd need someone help in US to buy the unit and then ship it to me...

[Photog]

Alex,
I had the USA Spec box. I didn't have the factory JBL.

The USA Spec system worked OK. It plugs into the base of the iPod, for Line-Level input to the stereo. This is much higher quality sound than the 3.5mm jack output. The USA Spec allowed full control of the iPod from the iPod, and 10 play lists from the head unit.

I now have a Scion head unit that works much better with the iPod. It allows steering wheel control, and all the connectors match. 4Runner and Scion have identical connections on the head unit (I don't know if the JBL is the same, or if there are intermediate links between your JBL and the standard Toyota connections).

If you like the colorful stereos, the latest Scion head unit is very nice. It is the T1809, and it supports XM and iPod. iPod cable is available on ebay (I think this is the cable #SC12235).

Here is a link to an instal into a 4Runner.
http://www.diymobileaudio.com/forum/member-product-reviews/35322-scion-t1809-pioneer-headunit.html

This is the T1809
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v180/chibo/crap/img0392xd5.jpg

[backroad]

I got iPod Touch 2nd Gen for this Christmas from my wife.


Just got one for a xmas gift; very cool.
Have you seen the Clinometer by Peter Brietling (99 cents on iTunes App store) for ipod touch or iphone.
It is a level and Clinometer with degrees or slope percent among other things.

Three separate screens.
1034

[AlexJet]

Is anyone willing to help me getting the radio and then shipping it to me? I found a fewplaces here in canada who can get it, but the prices are higher then in States.

[expat]

Hit me with a pm giving me as much detail as you can including shipping method/costs etc and we'll go from there.

[Photog]

Alex,
What do the connectors look like, connecting your JBL to the Toyota harness?

This may work too.
http://cgi.ebay.ca/2005-2008-TOYOTA-4RUNNER-DIRECT-iPOD-iPHONE-INPUT-W-TXT_W0QQitemZ390016981855QQihZ026QQcategoryZ38636Q QtcZphotoQQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1742.m153.l1262

This is what the T1809 looks like in a vehicle (not a 4Runner though)
https://www.longoparts.com/images/PT546-00081.jpg

[AlexJet]

I've placed an order for Kenwood DPX503. Will post up as soon as I'll get it.