LSUMatt1514

Anyone have a writeup on how to change out just the antenna mast and cable on a 3rd gen (2001 specifically)? My antenna stuck in the open position the other day and the motor is still trying to drive it open and closed so it's not burned up yet, but I have no idea how to remove the old and install a new one. I'd like to do so before the motor burns itself out since it will cost me an additional $100.

Also...can a replacement antenna mast and cable be purchased somewhere like Advance Auto Parts, or do I have to buy from a dealer? Thanks!

Matt

Whitey13

Check out this link. It's recommended to go this route as opoosed to doing another failure prone motorized unit.
http://4runners.org/writeups/whip/index.html

LSUMatt1514

Not bad...although I would like to replace just the mast and cord right now if I can get away with it before the motor burns up. The mast and cord is only $38 shipped from ToyotaParts4u.com Thanks for the link though.

Matt

LJ_24

im doing the taco antenna swap this weekend!

toy_tek

Normally to remove the mast, you need to power the antenna up and then physically pull it out as it reaches the top of its travel. Not sure how that works when its already stuck, but I'd just try pulling on it if the motor is pushing it up.

Then figure out what your real problem is... power? motor? switching? Disconnect the power antenna wire from your stereo and see where that leaves you.

Taco whip is not the only solution, you can retain your stock antenna and install a cheap on/off switch to keep it down when you want - which is what I did and haven't broken it since (5 years ago).

You will probably need to get the mast at the dealer.

Elton

unplug the relay behind the radio and push the antenna half way down now u have a custom shorty one

toy_tek

Dude, that just looks ghetto.

sdstud212001

Here you go found it on a search engine called I think that site is gonna catch on soon

Just messing with ya alright here is and it is really well done http://www.antennamastsrus.com/Instructions%20Mast.htm


WARNING:When I did mine alot of the white cable had already broken off in the housing and I had to open it to remove all the pieces. Not a difficult task but always easier with some help.

xsvtoyz

so you want the long version?
first remove the inner fender cover or enough bolts to pull it back far enough to remove the unit. several 10 mm bolts then remove the top nut above the large plastic nut holding the antenna from coming out of the unit. then find the 10mm bolt or bolts holding the power unit in and the unplug both power and antenna I think the unit will unplug entirely from under the fender for service. remove the phiilips head screws that secure the cover and find the broken white plastic piece remove it resecure the cover reinstal the unit in to the fenderwell reattach the power and antenna connections . turn the stereo on and then turn it off while holding the new white cable in a position so that it will pull it in to the unit. resecure the plastic nut. resecure the plastic inner fender. failure to remove the broken plastic piece of the antenna tail will result in either a nonfunctioning unit or rapid failure of the new antenna.
Enjoy!

AndyW

I got a new mast on ebay, http://motors.search.ebay.com/_W0QQsassZraderra with the shipping to the UK it was less than half the price from a dealer, and it works fine good quality.

element

XSV makes a good point here. At worst you can ruin the new mast and at best the mast won't go down all of the way. If you get a Toyota mast you can compare the lengths of the tails from the broken one that you just removed and the new on that you are about to put in to make sure that they are the same length. If the broken one is shorter, you'll have to get that piece out of the motor.

CASTAIC 4RUNNER

when i got my 4runner i got that thing disconnected so it doesn't get ripped off by bushes or branches