First 4Runner (4th Gen) Radio/Tire Advice?

What up good people? I’m new to all this so please forgive my ignorance and appreciate any feedback/info you all have. Just got my first 4Runner the other day (05 Limited V8).


1. Everything is currently stock (JBL setup) and working as expected. Looking to upgrade the head unit to have a touchscreen, apple carplay, and compatibility with a backup camera. Those are my must haves. Suggestions?

2. After some reading on here I see that some offer the cars data (tire PSI, temps, etc) which is cool and would include those if possible. Feel free to enlighten me on the benefits of any other headunits or features I’m not aware of.

3. Curious to how much this all may run too? I will be paying to install. My gut was saying 300-500?

4. As far as tires, this will mostly be driven highway/street with some light off-roading (car-camp/overland). Was thinking an A/T would be best, would like to have an aggressive look to em. Seems like the Duratrac’s are a good option but curious to hear what you all have to say.

Thanks folks and looking forward to being a learner from you all!

 

Welcome.

 

Thank you!

 

Welcome!

Some general info... Crutchfield is probably your single best resource to narrow down exactly what capability you want and at what price, and that is actively known to be compatible with our 4th gens. All of your desires are indeed out there in one system, of course just depends on your budget. For reference, I just upgraded my entire stereo as well (also JBL) and got everything through Crutchfield at a better or equal price to anywhere else I could find it. As well, they have probably one of THE best customer service centers..like ever for any company... for any and all general and technical questions.
So, questions 1-3 are best sought out by you, there, since you know what you want best. An example, I had pretty much the same requirements for a headunit as you, and found the Pioneer DMH-1500NEX answered everything, was In Stock (biggie), and didnt break the bank. Speaker preferences (and sub/amp, if desired) are up to you. One comment, though, is that all of your hardware may well run you to that $3-500 limit, before you ever get to paying for someone to install it. Estimate somewhere around $80 to $120 per hour of shop time to install.

As for tires, also one of the most discussed items we all install on our vehicles. Something to the tune of a Cooper Discoverer AT3, BFG KO2, Toyo OC AT3, Grabber AT3 or ATX, Kumho AT51, the new GY Wrangler Territory, Mickey Thompson Baja Boss. Anything like those are probably fine if you want the AT look and function without getting too crazy. GY Duratrac is an AT by name but lots of people feel they're more aggressive in actual use, myself included.

Let us know your thoughts

 

Welcome from Central Penciltucky

 

Wow, appreciate the depth of your response. Some good info there and will keep that in mind going forward. After some more reading after your response I was able to get to a local bestbuy and they has Boss 7” for $250. Seemed to be a pretty consensus on em. Add the replace kit at $150, install kit at $17, and $150 for Kenwood backup Camera (best pick in stock). Didn’t realize they install for free if you get the unit from them and a family member who I share an account with has the tech support to cover the camera install, so no installation costs to my surprise. Fingers crossed they get it right lol. The rep assured that I’d keep steering controls and could have the USB run up the center console. Was wondering (if possible) if you or anyone has converted that to a UBC-C and/or quick charge port(s)?

I will have to do some more learning on the tire choice.

Some context - I don’t care too much about mileage as long as is isn’t too costly and don’t intent on any lifting (at the moment at least ). Highway noise I’d rather it be better than not but performance is the main priority, then looks, then mileage, then noise. Hope that makes sense. The aim to be able to take a trip, find a camping spot/ground and have no issues in regardless of weather and handle some good terrain.

Appreciate ya!

 

Welcome from Wisconsin!

 

Thank you guys! Looking forward to learning/chatting with you all!

 

Welcome from Arizona!

 

Welcome from Mississippi!

 

Boss is fairly well known nowadays for having the perks we want at a fairly accessible price. So good on ya there. Keep your ears perked on the steering wheel control conversation though. There do indeed exist little conversion boxes to maintain the inputs from those controls to these more modern head units. The Axxess ASWC-1 and something from Metra are the two names that come to mind. But those are assuredly not free or usually a bundled item, they have to be bought by themselves. USB can be run wherever you want. For consideration I happened to want it on the dash right under the Hazard light switch, so I drilled a hole for it. But thats cause I already have a dedicated USB quick-charger in the center console by the DAC and seat heater switches. Can get as creative as you want for placement there.

For tires, keeping to stock tire size is probably easiest if you aren't making any other changes. All of those tires I mentioned will perform for sure, looks is way too subjective to each person to argue here lol, performance wise a number of those carry 40-50k mile warranties so you should be covered anyway, and noise is usually regarded as low, relatively speaking.

 

Not sure how to directly reply to a post yet - thank you again, good info. Will now keep an eye on the steering control stuff. Have seen some pictures of that dash USB spot, I’d rather the cord be less free. I have two free spots on the DAC I may add the dual quick charge there, now that ya mention it.

Tires - Haven’t looked through all of your suggestions, so far I really like the look of the Toyo OC AT3’s you suggested and the price point is cool by me too

 

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