I have a 97 4runner sr5 and i was wondering how to remove the stock antenna to put on a universal antenna on any help much appreciated

here the link to an antenna i think i might get... so if anyone can help me on the installation it would be great

http://www.stylintrucks.com/part.aspx?category|category_root|-25=Exterior&category|cat_-25|286=Antennas&attribute_value_string|Color=Black &canned_results_trigger=&partfamilyid=3058&partid= 21817

 

i got the tacoma whip cheap at the local junk yard
http://www.4runners.org/writeups/whip/index.html

 

pull the glove box and look for the antenna wire attachment clips. Fender flare-chrome trim thingie it looks like for your ride- has to come off pass side. Easy as heck to bust up the clips and then reattaching it is a pain.

open up the pass side fender well-you will likely have to replace the plugs when done. open up the radio bezel area. pull new antenna wire into body by using/attaching to old antenna wire to guide it. lube up the grommet inner so the wire pulls in without pulling out the rubber grommet. You want to keep that seal intact or water will get into the passenger compartment.

Tacoma whip antenna-is same as a base 4Runner stick antenna- will fit flush to the body. Personally I have yet to see a universal that fit properly to the fender. It has an odd curve so I recommend a factory fitment.

Consider the options carefully and plan ahead. I found just putting a toggle switch on my power antenna is extending it's life, the Rock Slide thread on "combine antenna signals" so useful that my fender mount is rarely ever brought up-never really needed now. Unless you listen to AM radio a lot the rear diversity antenna is fine for most FM stations. OEM stereo or aftermarket head unit?

the problem I see with the linked antenna is that it is just a mast. It has no flex so it will take a beating in a car wash (those heavy wet slapping blanket things) or on the trails. Unless you are simply going to unscrew it every single time it will encounter a force great enough to snap it....that gets to be a pain.

We'll help you talk this out, what is your real goal here? just a billet look mast?

 

thanks for the help Rom i just want to replace the mast so thats wat i was wonderin if i had to go from my fender liner just to replace the mast cause alot of threads arnt to clear but if u could help me out that would be great

 

I guess I was presuming you have a power antenna now? If not-then easy as pie-the mast would simply unscrew at the base... a new one would just screw on at the same base.

Show us what you have now so we can be sure we're giving solid advice.

Answered your PMessage

 

Hey Ron i dont think i have a power antenna by looking at it but im pretty new to this car so here are the pix ill let you be the judge

 

nope that is not a power antenna lucky you!

Just hook up some vise grips to the rusty part and perhaps a shot of parts blaster would help to loosen it up. (protect the paint of course)

Almost any mast will fit for you. Even first gen 4Runners should fit. Pay attention to the thread size when the old one comes out. Take it along with you when you go to a junkyard or wherever to find a new one. I have a couple of extra myself.

 

thanks a lot i was hoping i was right about it not being power do u think the antenna in the link at the top would fit it or is it something u have to see in person

 

the stylin trucks link shows a female receptacle end on the antenna mast-you would need a male to male threaded adapter to make it work.

Should not be particularly hard to find but undo your old one first so you have a better idea what I am describing. Those billet ones look nice but as I mentioned they have no bend-ability thus they are kind of a vandal magnet. A good swift thump on them will damage the lower mount.

I would go with a black Tacoma type mast with wire wrap type of look with plenty of flexability myself but a great number of modern antennas would likely work for you.

 

i really appreciate the help ron and once i get a new antenna on ill post some pix

 

hey i was looking through the site and i found this and was wondering if this is wat u meant about the male 2 male adapter here's the link and a pic

http://www.stylintrucks.com/parts.as...tfamilyid=3056