A couple of questions concerning this.
Is there any trick to getting out the old (stock) radio?
Is there an amp to bypass (usually the aftermarket head units have more than enough power)?
If so, then I'd need a wiring harness to do the bypass, right?

Have there been any problems that have come up unexpectantly? Thanks everyone, there really isn't much on this topic.

Piece of cake....just be gentle pulling out the dash components....and start low with the part that covers the shifter (5-speed, not sure about automatics). My swap to an Alpine was quite easy...I can't think of any overbearing problems that I ran into. Good luck!.

Dbryan,

I'm pretty much running into the same thing. I just bought my 97 SR5 yesterday and pulled out the stereo to install an aftermarket unit. I found an amp in there, I'm searching for info on whether I can just plug my new radio (with a Toy harness) into the truck speaker wiring harness, bypassing the stock amp unit. no info yet. by the way, when pulling the trim piece off, make sure you remove the climate controls panel (take the knobs off first) and remove the two screws for the panel... I almost broke mine trying to pry it off. And you'll have to pull up the shift lever panel also.

I replaced the factory system with an Alpine in about one hour...should be no problem...

This site should be useful...

http://www.completeaudio.8m.com/removing_a_tocama_radio.htm

The 4runner is a tad different than the tacoma... at least my 99 SR5 automatic is. To remove the dash i first yank the cupholder thing. The armrest lid has to be lifted to do this. Then I take out the shifter cover, then the dash. The site says how he AC cover is fragile, and it is cuz i broke my clips. Pry the cover outward very gentally... don't force it. Also, the site says to remove screws where the yellow arrows are pointing... I didn't have to do anything like that in my 4runner.

It's harder the first time but once you get a hang of yanking pieces out, it's real easy. The second time I did it, it took 5 min.

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, Helv, Helvetica, Sans">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, Helv, Helvetica, Sans">Originally posted by JGraham:
<strong>Dbryan,

I'm pretty much running into the same thing. I just bought my 97 SR5 yesterday and pulled out the stereo to install an aftermarket unit. I found an amp in there, I'm searching for info on whether I can just plug my new radio (with a Toy harness) into the truck speaker wiring harness, bypassing the stock amp unit. no info yet. by the way, when pulling the trim piece off, make sure you remove the climate controls panel (take the knobs off first) and remove the two screws for the panel... I almost broke mine trying to pry it off. And you'll have to pull up the shift lever panel also.</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, Helv, Helvetica, Sans">And the handbrake cover too. www.larsdennert.com/4runner/clin

I didn't have to remove the handbrake cover, but I did pull out the front two screws on it to reinstall the shifter cover.

This install was very easy, I bought a Toyota wiring harness at Circuit City for $16, which saves alot of time. I guess Toyota used the same type harness connector for all cars after 1987. All the wires are color coded, just connect them to the new radio wires, which should use the same color code. Very simple. One thing I would advise, do it right and either use crimp connectors or solder and shrink tube on the connections. Do not twist the wires and wrap with electrical tape - that is for kids!! I'm going to install a manual toggle switch for the power antenna, because my radio powers the antenna up even if I'm listening to a CD.

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, Helv, Helvetica, Sans">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, Helv, Helvetica, Sans">Originally posted by JGraham:
<strong> I guess Toyota used the same type harness connector for all cars after 1987. All the wires are color coded, just connect them to the new radio wires, which should use the same color code. Very simple. </strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, Helv, Helvetica, Sans">They do I just found that out today myself but I found mine at Advanced Auto for 8.99+tax and yes use the crimps much more professional. Hum as for mine, Sony, it has a power lead for the ant. but seems that it would activate only when the radio is on although it doesn't matter to me, I don't have a power ant. Toggle switch sounds like a PITA!

I plan on getting a wiring harness (kit) from Crutchfield. Thanks for the info.