Hoopster

Anybody know what's behind the drivers side wall in the cargo area? My storage compartment has a tow strap, gerber multi-tool, flashlight, firstaid kit, and MRE but really it's not much room.

So I got to looking at the other side and wondered what's wrong with having two storage compartments. Frankly, our Mazda3 has lots more storage areas and the glove box holds 4 times as much as the 4runner so something has to be done. I can't even fit my jumper cables under the passenger seat.

What are some of your solutions and can more be stored under the rear seats with the jack?

txrunyota

I'm curious also, my brothers 90 4runner has compartments on both sides.

Hoopster

So can anyone confirm that all 2nd gens had two storage compartments?

Starbuck3733T

My 94 had/has two compartments in the back as well. I'm pretty sure it's standard.

91_4x4runner

Yeah, it was definitely standard.

Hoopster

Thanks, maybe someone who's gutted a 3rd gen will know what's behind there.

Ringmaster

Maybe take a tour through the local wrecking yard, and look at a hammered one just to see what's behind the panel.

91_4x4runner

I know that on my 2nd gen, it's nothing but the speaker box towards the front of the cargo area and the metal exterior panel. The box could be extended in multiple directions without too much worrying, but it's dark enough in there to find small stuff anyways (screws). One of my little cargo panels isn't even in right now; I'll try to get a pic of the inside.

hopper

I figured it to be because the gas tank filler is on that side. idn

Hoopster

Good point, where's the gas tank filler neck on second gens?

Gerdo

Pop the panel off. I've had mine off when I need to run some wires. There is space back there. The trailer light box is stuffed in there. You could easly cut a hole and use the space. You could get some ABS plastic in a close color or thin plywood and paint to match, mount with velcro. You may line the space with something like a camping sleeping pad so your contents don't dent the fender.

neilan

Ya you really have to be careful with puttign thins in the actual body panel fr a compartment on the first gens itsl ie kthat and it makes little dent of you put lots or stuff that rattles around in there.

Hoopster

Thanks for the tips, do you remember how much the gas filler intrudes into this area?

hiloracerboy84

try just pullin the panel off. its really easy to do. there isnt really much back there and the suggestions above sum it up pretty good. throw some padding in there n ur good to go.

Tofer

whats behin the storage compartment door? my sub amp

olharleyman

I have one on both sides in my 90 and made them both into speaker boxes with 10s and did not find anything behind the right one put empty space thats when i decided to use them for speaker boxes that way i lost no more room then stock and still got a kick as- sound system.

Rock Slide

iTrader: (1)

There's a picture of what's behind that panel on Bob's site. Check out his writeup on "Sound Deadening Your 4Runner - Part 2 - Headliner" and scroll down about half way on the page. There you can see exactly how it looks.

http://www.4runners.org/articles/sound/headliner.html

Mine looks the exact same on my '02 as I have had this panel off too.

(Oh and that clear tube you see in the picture is part of a very simple venting system. Allows air to escape the vehicle when you shut the doors I believe. There's one on the passenger's side too.)

Hoopster

That's awesome Rock Slide, thanks for the link!

Rock Slide

iTrader: (1)

Glad I could help

wjwerdna

yep, its been asked before a few times, not a lot of room back there as I can recall from when I had it apart... I wanted to stuff an amp back there, def no room. I have my jumper cables and a ton of other stuff stuffed under the rear seats with the jack... theres a lot of space there