Headunit Setup For '04 Taco?

Hey guys, so I want to replace the stock head unit before I go on a big road trip in the spring. I know that's a ways out but I thought I'd do it sooner than later. I am debating on wether to do a basic kenwood headunit or a touchscreen with nav. If there are any good setups you guys have I would appreciate a description and possible pictures! Thank you for your time!

 

Also would a newer display like an '08 or '09 display fit in an '04

 

I couldnt tell you about the newer display but that seems like alot of work. I bought a refurbished dvd deck (jvc) off ebay for under $200 and love it. Super easy to install.

 

Does it fit flush to the dash. Like does it not stick out at all? and did you need to buy an amp

 

a new headunit is very subjective. there's no glory brand like bilstein that everyone oogles over.

in fact the odds of anybody else here having the deck you end up with is very slim as they change even the same unit every year.

so I would get onto www.crutchfield.com and do a little research on what fits your budget and needs. they'll sell you everything you need when you decide what fits you. brands like Kenwood, Alpine, and Pioneer are ones to look out for.

 

Alright thanks I've been looking at crutchfield for a while now and they have a lot of options. Aiming for the alpine. Would I need an amp?

 

Go big or go home: 8" Alpine INE-Z928HD



FWIW I don't recommended hacking and cutting up your dash like I did for the 8" cause there is no going back. Who else is making a 8" anytime soon? Yep I am stuck with this for a while.

 

mine fits flush and looks clean. I ran 2 amps. You dont need to run an amp if you dont want a sub or loud music.

 

yeah an amp will only make a big difference if you have a sub (necessary amp) or play your music ridiculously loud (amp helps un-distort the sound). in fact many times the aftermarket headunit packs enough punch to run aftermarket speakers w/o an amp.

 

Alpine INA-W910, 3rd picture down:

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/1st-gen-builds/259729-tomtoms-03-trd-xtra-cab-5.html#post6529571

Fits fine, gps antenna is hidden in the dash above the center vent with no reception issue. Interface is fairly simple and intuitive. I recommend an amp to go with it for better bass response/control but not needed.

Install was straight forward with no cutting/modding needed. I got the trigger to fool it into thinking it is parked. Makes it worth it since a bunch of features, like dialing the phone using the number pad, are disabled unless parked.

 

BTW, As mentioned, Crutchfield is a great resource. That's where I bought mine. I'm not big on taking advantage of returns but they let me try a couple other units before I settled on the Alpine I got. No questions asked.

 

Yes, Crutchfield is amazing. I went through two units before settling on the one I liked and they picked up the tab for it all. You may pay a bit more with them but they supply full instructions for your specific vehicle, give you any additional wires and adapter plates you may need and give you lifetime tech support. Their tech support rocks too. Call them with the phone number that you supply when placing the order and they will answer the phone wishing you a great day by name and will automatically pull up your vehicle and what you bought. I even called them on a Sunday night and I only waited about a minute to talk to someone.

 

I just got my Alpine CDE-147BT in last night and I love it. I ordered it from http://www.crutchfield.com for $169.99 shipped. They have awesome shipping and great customer service/tech support. I switched from the Pioneer FT700X-BT, and I am SO glad I did. The Alpine sounds much better, and the bluetooth calling is awesome!

Forgot to mention, you will not need an amp. Also, they supply everything you need to get it hooked up. This includes: wiring harness, dash kit, full instructions.

 

Wow! Thanks for all the help guys! Really appreciate it. Ordering an Alpine non touch screen double din this week! Thanks again