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.