1. Welcome to 4Runners.com!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all 4Runner discussion topics
    • Transfer over your build thread from a different forum to this one
    • Communicate privately with other 4Runner owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

What is this on the 4runner, how do I get rid of it?

Discussion in '5th Gen 4Runners (2010-2024)' started by 125mph, Aug 6, 2019.

  1. Aug 6, 2019 at 2:14 PM
    #1
    125mph

    125mph [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 6, 2019
    Member:
    #10806
    Messages:
    8
    Gender:
    Male
    Hi guys,

    On some newer 4runners, theres a thing at the top rear.. Is this an antenna? Is it easy to remove?

    I want to store a kayak up top and that thing is kind of in the way, I have to rub on it when I load the kayak.

    Thanks,

    [​IMG]
     
  2. Aug 6, 2019 at 2:20 PM
    #2
    MeefZah

    MeefZah ---

    Joined:
    Nov 1, 2015
    Member:
    #1122
    Messages:
    2,544
    Gender:
    Male
    Lexington, Ohio
    It is an antenna.

    Kayaks should clear it using the stock crossbars.
     
  3. Aug 6, 2019 at 2:23 PM
    #3
    125mph

    125mph [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 6, 2019
    Member:
    #10806
    Messages:
    8
    Gender:
    Male
    Any way to get rid of it? Some models dont have that thing, so I assume they have an internal antenna?

    I do have the yakima bars but the way I load the kayak from the rear, I push it up from the rear, and it has to run on the top before it lands on the bars. It will hit that antenna it looks like.

    (I currently have a 2014 4runner without the antenna but looking to upgrade to a new model, 2018 or so, so want to see if I can remove that or have to buy one without it).
     
  4. Aug 6, 2019 at 5:45 PM
    #4
    MeefZah

    MeefZah ---

    Joined:
    Nov 1, 2015
    Member:
    #1122
    Messages:
    2,544
    Gender:
    Male
    Lexington, Ohio
    I don't think there is a current model without it. If there is a way to remove it and relocate the components I am not aware of it, but anything is possible. I guess you could put an upside down cut down bucket or some other hard shell cover over it temporarily while loading the kayak...?
     
  5. Aug 6, 2019 at 5:50 PM
    #5
    4Runner fun

    4Runner fun Just the beginning...

    Joined:
    Mar 18, 2019
    Member:
    #9220
    Messages:
    2,575
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Ryan
    Nebraska
    Vehicle:
    2019 Black T4R TRD Off Road Premium
    Wrangler Duratracs, center console organizer & trav all 1576 dog divider for the rear. Xpel wrap with ceramic coating. 20% tint on front windows. TRD intake. TRD oil cap Plus parts on shelf & a wish list.
    I believe it is part of the GPS navigation system.
    If you don't want or need that. Delete it or buy one without it.
    Many aftermarket racks go over it.
    You may be making a mountain out of a mole hill...
     
  6. Aug 6, 2019 at 5:52 PM
    #6
    Dark Knight

    Dark Knight Get off my lawn

    Joined:
    Sep 18, 2016
    Member:
    #2681
    Messages:
    1,096
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jeff
    I used to lay a quilt on the back when I loaded my canoe. That way I could load it by myself without worrying about damage.

    Yakima also makes a rear slide for loading boats. Not cheap but less than vehicle damage.
     
    Saker762 likes this.
  7. Aug 7, 2019 at 7:03 AM
    #7
    Hauser Aspen

    Hauser Aspen New Member

    Joined:
    May 8, 2019
    Member:
    #9817
    Messages:
    2
    Vehicle:
    2014 Trail Premium
    The sharkfin antenna is for XM and GPS. It is a satellite antenna. It also carries the cellular antenna if your vehicle is equipped with Toyota's version of onStar.

    The AM/FM antenna is located in the cargo area side windows.

    Removing it [edit: Sharkfin Antenna] may cause more problems than it solves.

    You don't want to place items directly on the roof. They should be secured to the roof rack with correct attachments. Search your local Craigslist ads for used attachments.
     
    toy33 and KSJ08 like this.
  8. Aug 7, 2019 at 7:33 AM
    #8
    SandyTaco4x4

    SandyTaco4x4 New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 30, 2019
    Member:
    #10407
    Messages:
    15
    Gender:
    Male
    Gofastcampers makes a delete kit they use to mount their tents as low profile as possible. Here's a video - https://youtu.be/q0Kjvi78zhs
     
  9. Aug 7, 2019 at 8:39 AM
    #9
    4scooter19

    4scooter19 New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 23, 2019
    Member:
    #8920
    Messages:
    1,320
    Gender:
    Male
    Oregon
    Vehicle:
    98 and 86 4Runners
    I hope that's a joke because it looks like ass.
     
    arnette64, SKT_07, snowruner and 6 others like this.
  10. Aug 7, 2019 at 8:45 AM
    #10
    SandyTaco4x4

    SandyTaco4x4 New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 30, 2019
    Member:
    #10407
    Messages:
    15
    Gender:
    Male
    It's not really meant to be seen, in their application their tent would cover it. But might serve OPs needs. Just a thought20190705_080751.jpg
     
  11. Aug 7, 2019 at 8:51 AM
    #11
    125mph

    125mph [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 6, 2019
    Member:
    #10806
    Messages:
    8
    Gender:
    Male
    Thanks guys! I will have to try loading my kayak and see if theres clearance. If not, i might use a shoebox or some kind of protector over the sharkfin!..

    Definitely dont want to cut it, looks awful lol!
     
    KSJ08 likes this.
  12. Aug 7, 2019 at 8:57 AM
    #12
    SandyTaco4x4

    SandyTaco4x4 New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 30, 2019
    Member:
    #10407
    Messages:
    15
    Gender:
    Male
    I think that's the idea, they advertise their tent as the thinnest lightest hard shell tent, so you can leave it on permanently. I know its not for everyone, its not my company or my product just thought it might help OP that's the closest thing I've seen to a removal. Shouldn't be necessary for some kayaks though I agree.
     
    KSJ08, WallyT4R and doublewide like this.
  13. Aug 7, 2019 at 8:57 AM
    #13
    DGP1961

    DGP1961 New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 17, 2018
    Member:
    #7154
    Messages:
    983
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2018 SR5 Premium
    Hmmm does it actually stick up higher than you roof rack I never really looked or noticed? I second no biggie got to be a way to carry a kayak. Even if it does hit put a rubber spacer or something between what your carrying and the rack just to give you enough lift. Personally I wouldn't F with it...
     
    Last edited: Aug 8, 2019
    KSJ08 likes this.
  14. Aug 7, 2019 at 9:24 AM
    #14
    doublewide

    doublewide New Member

    Joined:
    May 29, 2018
    Member:
    #6133
    Messages:
    255
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Mark
    SoCal
    Vehicle:
    TRD OR PREM
    I do.
     
    WallyT4R, KSJ08 and SandyTaco4x4 like this.
  15. Aug 7, 2019 at 10:53 AM
    #15
    DrewMan

    DrewMan 2016 4RTP-KDSS

    Joined:
    Mar 19, 2017
    Member:
    #3731
    Messages:
    399
    Gender:
    Male
    Middle Tennessee
    Vehicle:
    2016 Magnetic Grey 4Runner Trail Premium
    Bilstein 5100 Series Shocks, Daystar 1.5" Rear Coil Spacer (Mid Left), Level 8 Tracker Pros 17x9, 275/70/R17 B.F. Goodrich TKO's, N-Fab Nerf Steps
    Just curious but why not just purchase something like this to carry your Kayak’s …

    F5443B9E-1217-4AB6-B650-3668142AE7C2.jpg
    6956A2A3-3575-4DF4-8A9D-76FBA1C5437F.jpg
     
    Toffees and KSJ08 like this.
  16. Oct 16, 2019 at 2:10 PM
    #16
    125mph

    125mph [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 6, 2019
    Member:
    #10806
    Messages:
    8
    Gender:
    Male
    Oh, its a fishing kayak so it requires a stronger rack. They weight like 100#.
     
    TimC likes this.
  17. Oct 16, 2019 at 2:29 PM
    #17
    125mph

    125mph [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 6, 2019
    Member:
    #10806
    Messages:
    8
    Gender:
    Male
    The rackstore set me up with something that looks like the picture below. I put the suctions right by the sharkfin and it protects it:

    [​IMG]
     
    KSJ08 likes this.
  18. Oct 16, 2019 at 5:32 PM
    #18
    Tama1968

    Tama1968 New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 2, 2016
    Member:
    #1353
    Messages:
    671
    Gender:
    Male
    Florida
    Vehicle:
    T4R SR5 in Classic Silver
    there are write ups and videos online on how to take it off. I haven't gotten around to removing mine, but it's on my to-do list. doing it cleanly will involve dropping the headliner in the rear to pull the actual antenna . Main thing I'm trying to solve is covering the hole so it's water tight and looks decent. doesn't look too hard to do
     
  19. Oct 16, 2019 at 5:35 PM
    #19
    4scooter19

    4scooter19 New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 23, 2019
    Member:
    #8920
    Messages:
    1,320
    Gender:
    Male
    Oregon
    Vehicle:
    98 and 86 4Runners
    I was thinking of having my 2 year old start building these out of Legos. I think it would look essentially the same. I'm taking orders if anyone is interested.
     
    Last edited: Oct 17, 2019
    MountainMan likes this.
  20. Oct 17, 2019 at 9:00 AM
    #20
    SCgman

    SCgman New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 26, 2018
    Member:
    #5382
    Messages:
    160
    Gender:
    Male
    Columbia SC
    Vehicle:
    2022 4runner SR5 4wd
    Front plate bracket install Step hitch insert install Cargo area Pet barrier Protective seat covers Front seats Yakima roof rack- detachable Rear molle storage panels w/ Connecting shelf
    Be advised....once this antenna has been removed your 4runner can no longer maintain a straight line while coasting under hands free steering conditions.;)
     
    nimby, SandyTaco4x4, KSJ08 and 2 others like this.
  21. Oct 24, 2019 at 2:32 PM
    #21
    danssr5

    danssr5 New Member

    Joined:
    May 29, 2019
    Member:
    #10078
    Messages:
    178
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Dan
    Vehicle:
    2017 sr5 premium 4x4
    bridgestone revo 3 5100's @2.5/1.5. Stock springs & rear daystar 1.5" spacers
    Take a few shots. Adjust the elevation and windage on your scope. Keep making adjustments until you are dead on. you will know you are dead on once the fin is no longer there.
     
    KSJ08 likes this.
  22. Oct 25, 2019 at 7:45 AM
    #22
    nimby

    nimby in the drink

    Joined:
    Mar 27, 2017
    Member:
    #3777
    Messages:
    4,453
    First Name:
    Jake
    California
    Vehicle:
    2018 SR5P
    I've heard that Japanese fisherman are very interested in these and will cut them off your truck for free.
     
    thirdyota, 4Runner fun and 4scooter19 like this.
  23. Oct 25, 2019 at 12:26 PM
    #23
    Dougie

    Dougie New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 14, 2019
    Member:
    #11659
    Messages:
    44
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Derek
    Vehicle:
    '19 TRD ORP
    Had to watch the video because I thought they just chose a horrible thumbnail.

    Yikes lol.

    Although I suppose it would double as a water collection device...
     

Products Discussed in

To Top