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Replacing the power antenna with whip antenna **Picture heavy**

Discussion in '3rd Gen 4Runners (1996-2002)' started by ramonortiz55, Jun 5, 2015.

  1. Jun 5, 2015 at 5:56 PM
    #1
    ramonortiz55

    ramonortiz55 [OP] New Member

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    The 4runner limited has a power antenna. This is not a good idea for offroading because power antennas are very flimsy. So what I decided to do is install a regular whip antenna from the 4runner base model of the same year.

    I called camelback Toyota and they shipped me regular antenna assembly without the whip. I already have a Toyota whip antenna here at the house.

    [​IMG]

    Part number:

    [​IMG]

    Antenna assembly:

    [​IMG]

    Next thing to do is find a way to access the existing power antenna assembly. I do this by removing bolts and clips that hold down the plastic splash guard in the fender well, the amount of bolts and clips removed depends on how comfortable you want to get to fold back the splash guard and fit your hands and tools:

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    Again, ^^^ the amount of clips and screws removed will be determined by the user. I removed about four bolts and four clips.

    Clips:

    [​IMG]

    Pulling the splash guard back:

    [​IMG]

    Once I take a peek back there, well see the power antenna assembly being held by ONE bolt, remove it:

    [​IMG]

    Next, the silver crown nut must be removed:

    [​IMG]

    This can be done one of two ways.

    Break it out or turn on the 4runner so the power antenna can rise up. Then have a helper hold the antenna firmly, turn off the 4runner and prevent the antenna from coiling back in. This removes the antenna from the power antenna assembly. Since my power antenna had started failing, I went with the option of breaking it out.

    Once the previous step has been taken care of, look in the engine bay. Passenger side to the corner:

    [​IMG]

    That there is the retainer clip to the harness of the power antenna. Push it out or break it out.

    This allows complete removal of the assembly.

    [​IMG]

    We are not done yet. Now we need to trace back the antenna cable to the back of the radio:

    Pop open the glove compartment and remove it:

    [​IMG]

    This is done by squeezing the ends.

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    Remove three bolts that are holding the upper trim of the glove compartment (only two are shown):

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    If we take a peek towards the back right, well see the antenna cable. it has gray tape on it:

    [​IMG]

    Now to remove the radio, the center console and radio trim need to removed. The center console needs to be pulled out firmly:

    [​IMG]

    shifter trim:

    [​IMG]

    Radio trim:

    [​IMG]

    Carefully unplug power outlet, hazard light switch, clock, etc.

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    This allows radio to be removed:

    [​IMG]

    Remove the four radio bracket bolts:

    [​IMG]

    Two antenna cables are behind the radio. The smaller one is for the rear antenna, which I ignored. The thicker one is the one we are replacing:

    [​IMG]

    This is very important! Tie a string at the end of the antenna cable, so when you pull it out at the fender outside, you can tie the string to the new antenna and easily guide and pull it behind the dash towards the back of the radio! Picture of new antenna plug:

    [​IMG]

    Install the new antenna assembly, attach the bolt and run the antenna cable by carefully pulling the string to guide it to the back of the radio and plug in!

    [​IMG]

    Put everything together and screw in the new whip antenna and boom! no more worrying about breaking the power antenna mast!
     
    Last edited: Jun 6, 2015
    UssMoGn and likdtaco like this.
  2. Jun 5, 2015 at 6:14 PM
    #2
    ramonortiz55

    ramonortiz55 [OP] New Member

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    Meh, I see some poor grammar and two wrong pictures. Will fix tonight.
     
    Trekker likes this.
  3. Jun 6, 2015 at 6:00 AM
    #3
    likdtaco

    likdtaco Governed & Empowered by GOD

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    Nah Perfect.
    I am going to use this tomorrow.
    My power antenna is shot and this write up came just in time.
    Thank you Ramon.
     
    Bob likes this.
  4. Jun 6, 2015 at 8:25 AM
    #4
    ramonortiz55

    ramonortiz55 [OP] New Member

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    Just remember to use some string to help you guide the new cable in thru the firewall and behind the dash. I did it the hard way.
     
  5. Jun 6, 2015 at 8:26 AM
    #5
    ramonortiz55

    ramonortiz55 [OP] New Member

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    Tie it to the end of the old cable before you yank it out.
     
    37mountainguy and likdtaco like this.
  6. Jun 6, 2015 at 11:14 AM
    #6
    likdtaco

    likdtaco Governed & Empowered by GOD

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    I will.
    Thanks again.
     
  7. Jun 6, 2015 at 7:16 PM
    #7
    ramonortiz55

    ramonortiz55 [OP] New Member

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    grammar and pictures update.
     
  8. Jul 2, 2015 at 5:28 PM
    #8
    fishingjude

    fishingjude New Member

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    Wow , this is exactly what I have been looking for. Thank you Ramon. By the way when you removed the gromets holding the inner fender liner did they brake or were you able to reuse them. Thanks again.
    Rey
     
  9. Jul 2, 2015 at 5:45 PM
    #9
    ramonortiz55

    ramonortiz55 [OP] New Member

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    Came out easy
     
  10. Feb 20, 2017 at 2:23 PM
    #10
    Burnsy

    Burnsy New Member

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    Awesome post, the part number is definitely appreciated. Used this to throw mine on yesterday. The string idea definitely helped and I took the black trim off that sits above the glove box(just 3 bolts) to help guide the cable between the airbag and cross members which made the process faster and easier.IMG_20170220_125414903.jpg IMG_20170220_125321058.jpg
     
  11. Feb 20, 2017 at 5:11 PM
    #11
    ramonortiz55

    ramonortiz55 [OP] New Member

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    glad it worked out!
     
  12. Apr 26, 2017 at 9:54 AM
    #12
    37mountainguy

    37mountainguy New Member

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    Tied the old antenna wire to the new one to help pul through. Great advice. It was a bit hard to pull through but with some tenacity I got it. Thanks for the post.
     
  13. Sep 5, 2018 at 1:12 AM
    #13
    Husky Driver

    Husky Driver Kyna's chauffeur

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    Hey there Ramon! I was helping someone on TW & linked him to here. I also noticed that there is a new part # for the Taco Whip.

    Part Numbers (Sept 2018):
    Antenna Assembly: 86300-35090 ($54.77)
    Tacoma Whip antenna: 86309-0C020 ($30.04)

    Here's about as inexpensive as Toyota parts get:
    parts.toyotaofdallas.com
     
  14. Sep 5, 2018 at 3:35 AM
    #14
    ramonortiz55

    ramonortiz55 [OP] New Member

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    Thanks for posting these!
     
  15. Sep 21, 2018 at 4:17 PM
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    4run808

    4run808 New Member

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    is the Tacoma Whip antenna: 86309-0C020 ($30.04) a one piece antenna and non retractable? i was talking to the toyota parts guy and he told me it is retractable. thanks
     
  16. Sep 23, 2018 at 7:05 AM
    #16
    Husky Driver

    Husky Driver Kyna's chauffeur

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  17. Oct 3, 2018 at 9:19 AM
    #17
    JooseBawxx

    JooseBawxx New Member

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    @Burnsy where did you pick up that stubby antenna? I assume you installed the antenna assembly but opted for that instead of the whip antenna?
     
  18. May 4, 2020 at 12:44 AM
    #18
    Atomic Punk 70

    Atomic Punk 70 New Member

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    What size antenna screws into that base? I found an antenna that has a 3/8"×24" thread that I want to use. I just wanted to make sure it can screw in there properly. What do you think?
     
    Last edited: May 4, 2020
  19. Dec 22, 2021 at 10:58 AM
    #19
    Mox2Max

    Mox2Max New Member

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    Extraordinary detail in the description and especially the photos, thank you!
     
  20. Dec 22, 2021 at 8:05 PM
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    SR5 Limited

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    There is an easier route.8B39244E-5295-4FE4-87D8-717438A0E708.jpg
     
  21. Mar 20, 2023 at 9:09 AM
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    kurtzoellner

    kurtzoellner New Member

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    Pretty stinky now after alot of dead animals.
    1999 4runnerSR5 Remove threaded cap , remove power antenna mass by turning on radio and pulling gear cord out . Replace with conversion fixed antenna. Remember to disconnect power under fender to antenna motor. ( advise seal or tape end of adapter. Zip tie cord or fasten connector , keep from rattling or slapping .
     
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