I have a 3rd Gen 4Runner.
I just installed a new Alpine 9827 and I am a total novice on this stuff.
When I installed, following the directions, it said to remove the DIN trim ring. Now, I have the HU and the pocket installed. With the trim ring off the unit protrudes forward a bit more than I think looks good.
Here are my questions.
1. Is this as it should be (about .25" from flush)?
2. Should the trim ring go back on?
3. If so, it looks like the unit will have to be spaced out by a few washers or something, because unit does not seem to come forward enough to fit the ring on. Is this so?

 

If you can fit the trim ring on, go ahead and put it on. It shouldn't hurt anything.

If it won't, spacing it out with a few washers might be a good idea.

Can you see any of the ugly aluminum casing?

 

Yes, the newer alpines with detachable faces stick out a little bit. They seemed to design it for use with domestics, where the trim ring (plastic piece you have to take off) would make it look more flush, so it will just have to stick out a little, unless you want to drill your bracket a little, which wouldn't be too hard. Don't put it back too far though as you will have trouble detaching the face. My face is motorized so it sticks out a little so it won't get stuck on the trim.

 

Here is a pic of the install. It is not ugly, I just think it would look better either recessed a bit more, or with the trim on it. The trim will not fit the way it is though...
Should I leave it alone or try and space it out for the ring to fit?

 

is it ISO mounted or DIN mounted? it should be ISO mounted ...
PDF on ISO Mounting a Radio DIN Info

http://installdr.com/ is a good site for info as well as http://www.the12volt.com/

 

Did you climate control unit come with your Runner, or did you install after market??? I have and SR-5 with the manual system and was looking to see how much of a PITA it would be to swap up to your system...any suggestions???

 

Yah I had that same problem with the CDA 7995... I wanted to include that trim piece to give it a more flush look and close the tiny gap that's left there...but it doesn't fit... I really tried to MUSH the center console part back on top of it..but nope...

I'd have to trim the sides of the 4Runner's center console part to get the trim piece to fit...

It's no big deal I guess... I always have the face plate tilted out at an angle anyways...

 

yeah the 4runner iso-din spots are so low I utilize the motorized face and have it on an angle so I can see and hit buttons easier. I think it looks fine.

 

I think that looks good. If you space it out far enough to use a trim ring, then it'll be sticking out really far.

 

Ditch the trim ring and re-drill the mounting brackets to position the radio back into the dash a 1/4" to 3/8".

Here's mine...

 

Itcost about $1000 in parts to convert the manual one to the electric. Someone over on 4x4 wire tried to do this about 1.5 yrs ago.

 

It is ISO mounted.
The more I think about it, the less I want to move it out further to allow for the trim.
I will either leave it as is, or redrill the bracket to move it back. Maybe I will wait and see what I might put in the lower, pocket space, and decide based on that.

I love the unit though. I am hearing much more clarity, and no skipping so far. The old stock double DIN unit would skip all day on smooth pavement. This one does fine taking 15mph speed bumps at 30.

Thanks for all of your suggestions.

 

i actually dont care that mine sticks out as it has an adjustable angle feature which i use anyway to have it tilt up toward me so i can see it better.

when its not in that position, i have the faceplate off to prevent theft.

 

To cover the gaps, if it bothers you, you can buy trim rings starting at 1/8" wide or blanks that can be cut out to any size you want.