Finally got some free time to write up my ipod integration in the small tray under the armrest in the center console.

I got a new HU Alpine 9883 with the optional Ipod cable, the Alpines have the best Ipod control for the price, you use the knob as the click wheel. I used the Tech write-up https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f127/aftermarket-stereo-installation-3rd-gen-4runner-75275/ about aftermarket stereo installation as reference for the stereo install.


After getting the stereo in and everything still apart... I ran the ipod cable under the center console...


After which I dremeled a hole big enough to fit the cable in the bottom of the center console....note the two bolts, that is what holds the center console/armrest in place. You have to take the center console out to dremel out a hole.



Next I dremeled another hole in the top tray under the armrest to fit the cable like before...




Final pic of Ipod sitting in the tray...out of sight.

 

pics are broken

 

looks nice

 

Looks good

 

their working this morning.

 

looks good!

 

does it charge the ipod as well?

 

X2, nice install! Please comment on the operation of the ipod through that particular Alpine unit if you can. I'm looking to buy a new head unit and want one thats easy to use my ipod with. Thanks! Wes

 

I like that better then the glove box.

I have the alpine 9881 which is almost just the same deck. missing the option to add HD recv or Sat radio which i didnt care about. The alpine also lowers the power antenna when the radio is not selected. Which is a plus really, no need to do a whip mod. It only puts the antenna up when its needed.
As for the Ipod control. Its really good. A search button starts it. then rotate the knob threw the same menu the ipod would go threw. once you pick like say music it will then go onto the sub menus. until you get to the song or file you want to play. since it starts at the begining of the list. the new alpine's will do a percentage search using the presets. Press like 2 it will forward 20% into your list. and then allow you to move around you playlist from there and so on. The alpine ipod cable does charge your ipod also.

 

Yes it does charge it.

 

Like X2ANDX4 said, the knob acts like the thumb wheel on the Ipod, You hit a button and goes into the ipod mode of selecting Playlists/Artist/Album---once that is selected it goes into a subcategory like the ipod would...and so forth...my only gripe is that you have to reset the shuffle mode every time you reselect a new category. But out of all of the HU manufacturers out there Alpine has the best interface.

 

I would have to say that Pioneer's Premier line of head units also gives Alpine a pretty good run for its money with regards to Ipod integration. The pioneers is also easy to use and works the same way (or so it sounds) as the Alpine unit