I took my time, and I finally finished installing an aftermarket stereo system for my 2000 4runner. I also did the tacoma whip antenna mod since I had the dash apart. I upgraded with:
Alpine 3DA-W882
Polk 6.5" component db6500
Boston Acoustics S55 5.25"
Infinity Basslink 2

I chose the Alpine 3DA, because I wanted a double din headunit. The radio is nice, but if I stated over again, I would choose the Kenwood DPX. I had to use an fm modulator to connect my mp3 player. I chose the speakers primarily due to their size. I found the thinner speakers fit the 4runner better. I used an adaptor off of ebay to fit the rear speakers. So far, the stereo system sounds pretty good. I'll try to attach some pics.

 

nice i bet it was fun installing all that i installed new door speakers took me like 11 hours o and use photobucket.com for pics

 

no pics of the process? this thread is pretty worthless w/o pics.

 

pics....

 

nice you got the same interior as i do and a 5spd awesome since you guys want some pics during the install here you go sorry to highjack your thread

 

Here is one more pic. Your install looks very familiar. Dash apart and pieces everywhere. I didn't do it all at once, though. One weekend was the radio. Next was the front speakers. Then the rear speakers, etc.

 

Where did you pick up that deck? used? I have been looking for a nice double DIN cd player to replace the factory one. Thing is I usually don't like the look of the double din cd players on the market (or the cost). HOw much and where did you get it?

 

Ditto, and why would you have used the kenwood if you did it again? just the fm modulator?

 

Everything looks good.

When I installed all new door speakers and an amp, I wanted a new HU as well, (or at least "thought" I did) and upgraded w/ a Kenwood DPX302 as seen here:

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-qWfnOFy...02&i=113DPX302

Let me just say, looks can be deceiving. I purchased this unit, installed it and after 2 days sent it back. Everything sounded great, but I could not get past the overall appearance of it. It's hard to tell in the picture, but both knobs and the piece of trim inbetween them both is all chrome. Too flashy for my taste. Second, the HU itself sits .25" - .50" further out than the stock deck does. IMO, a HU is much more appealing to the eye tucked in like the OEM unit is, rather than protuding out like this unit does. Lastly, the backlight color...everything is either blue or red. Again, I prefer to maintain a stock look and have all green lights on my HU.

Therefore, the long and short of it is, this DPX-302 HU is nice, just not my cup of tea (for lack of a better expression). If the above mentioned concerns I had with it does not bother you, then try it out. Otherwise, do not buy it.

My suggestion if you are unsure on which HU you want is, purchase one from a company that will gladly allow you to return it even if you simply don't like the look of it installed. I purchased that 302 from Crutchfield, kept it for a week and Crutchfield let me return it simply b/c I did not like how it looked installed. They even paid the shipping cost to return it.

There are a few more DPX models to choose from that might "fit" and "look" cleaner installed than the 302 does, but I did not try any of them. I simply went back with my OEM unit and could not have been more pleased. So what it's underpowered, that's why I have an aftermarket amp hooked to it.

However, if I ever decide to install another double din unit again, I'd probably go with something like this instead :

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-qWfnOFy...os&i=130AVICD3


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I got the Alpine 3DA from ebay (it was used). Those units are still occasionally sold there. Just make sure it's and american model and not one from Japan or Europe. The Japenese radios use a different frequency.
I wish Alpine still made double DIN radios. The one's they have now are with navigation and DVD capability. They're too expensive and more than I need.

A saw a Kenwood DPX at best buy the other day. It looked nice, and it had an mp3 connection. I haven't seen one installed in a 4runner, though. After reading the post from Rock Slide, I'm glad I didn't get the DPX.

 

I know the 302 has the aux input on the front for an ipod or mp3 player. The 501 even has a USB port on the front for connectivity.

I wish now I would have taken a picture of it installed, but either way it still have just proved my point further.

 

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