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Antenna mast??

Discussion in '3rd Gen 4Runners (1996-2002)' started by SR5 Limited, Nov 22, 2019.

  1. Nov 22, 2019 at 1:48 PM
    #1
    SR5 Limited

    SR5 Limited [OP] New Member

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    Here’s my dilemma. Clipped a roadside sign. Don’t ask how. I slowed down, car was coming the other way, and “smack”, bent antenna. It was out in the road too far, guys picking up trash. So anyway, easy fix right? I pulled the old one out after removing the nut and jewel. Easy peasy, well I put the new one in it went down two inches and locked up? Then I couldn’t get it out. So I figured I would loosen the housing screws. And it retracted all the way. But there was a grinding sound, for a few seconds, before the relay kicked off. So I figure I can live with that. Then today it wouldnt go up, I thought great. So pulled it apart and sure enough the ribbon was broke, again. Gear looks good. I lubed it and will try again. 17 bucks a pop, I will give it one more try.....
     
  2. Nov 22, 2019 at 2:14 PM
    #2
    SR5 Limited

    SR5 Limited [OP] New Member

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    Found a replacement for ten bucks, but I think I’m gonna ditch the power antenna and get a 6 1/2 incher that is compatable and I don’t have to mess with the motor housing..
     
  3. Nov 22, 2019 at 3:13 PM
    #3
    4scooter19

    4scooter19 New Member

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    That's what I did on mine. Got a "TRD" one off eBay. It took a little to get it to fit but I think it's because it's kind of a piece of shit. Looks cool though haha
     
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  4. Nov 22, 2019 at 3:24 PM
    #4
    SR5 Limited

    SR5 Limited [OP] New Member

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    Well turns out the eBay seller refunded me the original 17 bucks so they are sending another for free. I’m a happy camper...
     
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  5. Nov 22, 2019 at 3:25 PM
    #5
    SR5 Limited

    SR5 Limited [OP] New Member

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    I like the length of the stock antenna and don’t get good reception until it’s over half way up.
     
  6. Nov 27, 2019 at 12:58 PM
    #6
    SR5 Limited

    SR5 Limited [OP] New Member

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    Tried another factory aerial. It went up fine, then when down a hideous grinding sound. So I trimmed it, still did it, trimmed some more. Then it wouldn’t go down. “Helped” it go down, it grinded and broke the ribbon, again. So I have a 7 incher with the adapter that goes down in the housing. Hope I still get my classic rock....
     
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  7. Dec 3, 2019 at 1:26 PM
    #7
    SR5 Limited

    SR5 Limited [OP] New Member

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    619D0095-7507-45F2-B29A-FC722128C53C.jpg Well seems I have just as good reception. 60 bucks...:annoyed:
     
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  8. Dec 9, 2019 at 1:31 PM
    #8
    negusm

    negusm New Member

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    I've replace my retractable antenna twice over the years and you need to make sure all pieces of the old antenna are out of the motor. You may have some piece stuck in there?

    When I did it, I double checked to make sure the old pieces were exactly the same length as the new one.

    I also only used Toyota antennas.
     
  9. Dec 9, 2019 at 9:06 PM
    #9
    SR5 Limited

    SR5 Limited [OP] New Member

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    I kind of like it. I’m into R/C cars and boats which have shorty antennas. It adds character...And I get reception instantly...
     
  10. Dec 20, 2019 at 6:43 PM
    #10
    Yodaforce

    Yodaforce New Member

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    Finally replaced the busted motorized one. It had about a foot or so of old nylon coil stuck in the motor gearing.

    To me, its 150% satisfying to watch the power antenna extend on a 22 year old truck. Reception is great.
     
  11. Dec 20, 2019 at 7:38 PM
    #11
    SR5 Limited

    SR5 Limited [OP] New Member

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    Blocks the view if you ask me. The antenna technology has grown since.
     
  12. Dec 29, 2019 at 9:43 AM
    #12
    Rallypoint_1

    Rallypoint_1 New Member

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    I had the power antenna work up to 2 months ago. It stopped going down...stuck in the up position. Made noise anytime you turn the ign on. Removed it and did the Taco whip mod. Kinda pricy for the parts but I like the simplicity of it.
     
  13. Jan 17, 2020 at 11:07 AM
    #13
    blurcardi

    blurcardi New Member

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    This is what I want to do. How?
     
  14. Jan 17, 2020 at 12:37 PM
    #14
    SR5 Limited

    SR5 Limited [OP] New Member

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  15. Jan 21, 2020 at 2:32 PM
    #15
    negusm

    negusm New Member

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    You can buy the replacement telescoping antenna from Toyota for that price.
    Antenna Mast 86337-35111 1 $55.76 Shipped
    McGeorge Toyota on-line sells them.
     
    16runnerblue likes this.
  16. Apr 16, 2020 at 9:04 AM
    #16
    DesertRoads

    DesertRoads New Member

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    Stubby antenna's are known for poor reception. My power antenna is dead too, but I keep using it as it's not broken. Hopefully you find something that works for your needs.
     
  17. Apr 16, 2020 at 9:23 AM
    #17
    SR5 Limited

    SR5 Limited [OP] New Member

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    Actually this one gets good reception. It was expensive for a stubby aerial...Must have a lot of copper in it...
     
  18. Apr 16, 2020 at 9:41 AM
    #18
    DesertRoads

    DesertRoads New Member

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    Definitely must. Copper is key. I usually rebuild my antenna's to include lots of copper in them. I've used CB antenna's as radio antenna's as I want the better reception.
     
  19. Apr 16, 2020 at 11:29 AM
    #19
    SR5 Limited

    SR5 Limited [OP] New Member

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    I do get bad interference when my cell phone is charging......
     
  20. Apr 17, 2020 at 11:25 AM
    #20
    Ace115

    Ace115 New Member

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    Hey guys. I’m brand new here and have a lot of questions about a new to me 2000 4runner. My antenna is broken. I use one of the cheap AutoZone specials on a Tacoma a few years ago and it worked fine. Will that not work on the 4runner? Also how do it get all of the old antenna out?

    thanks in advance to anyone that can help.
     
  21. Apr 17, 2020 at 12:18 PM
    #21
    negusm

    negusm New Member

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    If the width/length of the mast and the length of the plastic teeth are EXACTLY the same as the 4Runner's, I don't see why not.

    With mine, I think I just turned on the radio and it puked out the old section. But it was long enough to grab.

    If there was a tiny section broken off and is stuck in the motor, I am not sure exactly.
     
  22. Apr 17, 2020 at 1:46 PM
    #22
    SR5 Limited

    SR5 Limited [OP] New Member

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    More than likely, No. Notice the pic it has an adapter to slide down in the original housing. Without it you wont be able to secure the top with the jewel. It only has one bolt on the lower section to securing it. Unless you replace the whole motor with a new unit.
     
  23. Apr 20, 2020 at 12:15 PM
    #23
    Ace115

    Ace115 New Member

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    Thanks all, so how do I take out the old parts?
     
  24. Apr 20, 2020 at 12:28 PM
    #24
    SR5 Limited

    SR5 Limited [OP] New Member

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    Step 1: remove the inner fender well bolts and bend the plastic forward. Like two bolts.

    Step 2: remove bolt holding aerial housing onto body.

    Step 3: remove jewel from top of the unit. Usually needle nose pliers will work.

    Step 4: Drink a Diet Coke and repeat backwards to install.
     
    Last edited: Apr 20, 2020
    Ace115 likes this.
  25. Apr 20, 2020 at 12:47 PM
    #25
    SR5 Limited

    SR5 Limited [OP] New Member

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    If you mean just replace the mast. Remove the jewel. Turn the radio on it will spit it out. Then put new mast in the hole and turn radio off it will retract and install jewel back....
     
    Last edited: Apr 20, 2020
  26. Apr 20, 2020 at 12:49 PM
    #26
    SR5 Limited

    SR5 Limited [OP] New Member

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    Then drink a Diet Coke.....
     
  27. Apr 21, 2020 at 7:18 AM
    #27
    negusm

    negusm New Member

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    Make sure you compare the old plastic teeth with the new one. If they are not the same length, you have a piece stuck in the motor. If you cut the new one to the same length, you will just destroy the new one.
     
  28. Jun 1, 2020 at 6:39 PM
    #28
    John Riggins

    John Riggins New Member

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    Yep, I bought a 14 inch black whip antenna, couldn't be happier.
     

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