Ritzy4Runner

Well I started the install, its not quite what I was expecting and then again, most of the projects I start seem basic until you really get into them. I will do a full write up (Just for you Ron!) as this is just another creature comfort. If anyone else is contemplating this mod, has already done the mod, inputs are always welcome. When Circuit City closed it's doors, I was onhand for the last day in my local store. Did pretty well, snagged a Canon 40D DSLR with an image stablilizing 28-135 macro for $650, and a Jensen DVD Media display for $250 (originally $850). To start with had to find my FSM and it takes you to the Body section for headliner removal. Seems pretty basic, Remove trim, remove headliner Yeah right! LOL So just so you know what to expect, you will need to remove ALL the interior trim, scuff plates, grab handles, visors lights and the seat belts. You need to do this to get at the head liner which also has to be removed to do this properly. This is also the same procedure if you need to get at your sunroof. Makes sense to me and I will be checking my drains while I have it all pulled out. But to start with you need to pull the rear cabin light. Pop the lense off revealing four hold down screws. Remove those screws. Unplug the power wire connector. Next you need to remove the rear upper headliner trim. Work your way slowly around the edges and pop each retaining clip and then remove the trim. Remove the rear scuff plate screws. Pry up the edges and then work you way down the front edge lifting as you go. Remove the rear passenger door scuff plate screws. Grasp the ends and begin to pull the scuff plate upward and release the clips. Remove the front seat scuff plate screws and pry loose as you did with the rear door scuff plates. Remove the front seat lower pillar covers, these are the ones just behind the front seats. I grasped them from the rear and starting at the base popped the clips and worked my way up and over. If your 4runner comes with the cargo cover you will need to remove the cargo cover mounts. Two screws and they come right out. Remove the two screws, one each side, that hold the rear cargo panel upper tab. They were covered by the upper rear headliner trim panel. For each rear cargo area panel, start at the passenger door about mid level and begin to pull the panel outward to release the clips in the rear pillar and around the edges of the rear window. Gently pull the trim from around each window as well as from the rear edge of the panel near the lift gate. PLEASE READ THE NOTE before performing this step! I will include some more pictures to show you what I am talking about. NOTE: In the middle of the bottom edge of each window, there is a piece of plastic with a hook on it that inserts into a square hole in the fender area. DO NOT pull the panel out too far until you press the plastic bar down so it disengages from the fender mounting. Failure to perform this step correctly will result in damage to your cargo side panels. Continue working your way around the window until all the mounting clips are free. (More pictures to come with the next installment)

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98 4Runner SR5 "Limited" 3.4 V6, Automatic-Field Monitor Unit, Auto Dimming Mirror w/Compass & Temp, Reverse Silver gauges, JDM tail lights & signals, Corner Light turn signal mod, Center Console Cup holder Mod w/ LEDs, auxillary fuse panel, Hella 550's, Land Cruiser Hydraulic hood lifts, Engine Bay lites, Taurus Fan mod w/ indicators, 2000 headlight mod, '99 grill ......
2000 Celica GT, 'SydJUce'
"Life is a journey, don't forget to pack."

Ritzy4Runner

PART 2

When we last left our intrepid 'modifier', he was deeply involved in gutting the interior of his 1998 4runner to remove the headliner. We rejoin him now ...

PLEASE READ THE NOTE and look at the picture before performing this step! I recommend you start with the Driver side first. Gently pull the trim from around each window as well as from the rear edge of the panel near the lift gate.



In the center of the lower edge of the panel window trim there is a long plastic finger that snaps into a small square hole in the cargo area sides just below the rear window edge. Gently press downward on this 'finger' releasing the notch in the finger from the fender well. Continue working your way around the window until all the mounting clips are free.




NOTE: In the middle of the bottom edge of each window, there is a piece of plastic with a hook on it that inserts into a square hole in the fender area. DO NOT pull the panel out too far until you press the plastic bar down so it disengages from the fender mounting. Failure to perform this step correctly will result in damage to your cargo side panels.

With all clips now free, lay the panel over on its side. The seat belt will be holding the panel up so after removal of passenger side we will remove the seat belts. If you have not already lowered the passenger seats down you might want to do that to make doing this part easier as well as removal of the rear seat belts from the floor.

If you have a 4runner with a rear OEM 12vdc outlet located in the passenger side cargo panel, pull the connector from the outlet.



Using a 14mm socket, remove the hold down bolt for each rear seat belt.



With the seat belt now free, pull the belt webbing and the seat belt clip through the slot in the front of the cargo panel. the panel is now completely free and can be removed from the vehicle.



Remove the screws from the front seat scuff plates, pry them up and remove them.




Move the front seats fully forward to provide for more room to remove the 'B' pillar covers. Remove the 'B' pillar lower covers by grasping it near the top and front edge, pull it away from the pillar.



Work your way down and finally lift the pillar cover free.



Removal of the front seat belt shoulder anchors can be a bit tricky if you don't want to bugger up your anchor covers. Use a very thin flat tip screwdriver and work the seam apart. Once you get it split it will just pop apart.



Using a 14mm socket and ratchet loosen and remove the mount bolt.



Remove the small phillips head screw at the base of each 'B' pillar upper cover.



That's all I have time for today. More to come, stay tuned

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98 4Runner SR5 "Limited" 3.4 V6, Automatic-Field Monitor Unit, Auto Dimming Mirror w/Compass & Temp, Reverse Silver gauges, JDM tail lights & signals, Corner Light turn signal mod, Center Console Cup holder Mod w/ LEDs, auxillary fuse panel, Hella 550's, Land Cruiser Hydraulic hood lifts, Engine Bay lites, Taurus Fan mod w/ indicators, 2000 headlight mod, '99 grill ......
2000 Celica GT, 'SydJUce'
"Life is a journey, don't forget to pack."