Ipod Interfaces for 08 Tacoma

I have a 2008 Tacoma with the single disc factory radio, and after six months of switching fm stations with my transmitter, I would like to add an ipod interface.

Previous threads mention a USA Spec PA12-TOY as well as a PA15-TOY and a GROM(?) unit. I would like to keep the price down, as this is a pretty small and specific mod, but am willing to spend a little if it improves the interface.

Any thoughts/opinions on the above mentioned products or any others I might want to check out?

Thanks in advance.

 

Thanks, Chris. I'm looking forward to hearing about it.

From what I gather, the PA12-TOY seems to be as good as the PA15-TOY so far as the Tacoma is concerned. I'm waiting to hear from USA Spec to verify this, but am definitely interested in hearing first hand impressions.

Also, the GROM-IPOD-TOY claims to do pretty much everything the USA Spec PAs do without the secondary input for almost half the price, but I don't see nearly the same chatter about them in the forums. Anybody know why this would be?

 

Try MP3yourcar.com they are cool i just ordered their interface and i love it... easy install and they are free shipping right now great Customer Service too!

 

I don't know anything about the above units you mentioned....

I have an ipod2car PXDP made by Peripheral Electronics. I bought mine off ebay many years ago. They're cheaper now.
Here's the vendor I purchased mine from:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Peripheral-PXDP...ryZ58350QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Here's a write-up on how to install:
http://aaronlinsdau.com/gear/articles/ipod2car.html



Thanks for the reference Chris! Actually, that's not my writeup. I've just been spreading it around like crazy cuz it's a good one. I contacted the guy and told him he could use me as a 'contact' for those folks with the 6 disc changer.

 

I just installed the $50 metra from Circuit City just yesterday....works wonderfully.

 

Thank you all for your input.

Most of these solutions seem pretty similar, which makes it even more frustrating not having a good side by side comparison. Maybe the truth is they all work, you just have to decide whether you are willing to pay for the readout on the factory radio (I am), and whether you are willing to pay for the secondary input (the verdict is still out).

Have any of you run the wires anywhere other than the glove box? I am thinking about the center console, but I don't know if there is a way to do it without drilling. Perhaps the openings around the cargo net hooks would work, but I kind of doubt the end of any of the hook ups would actually fit.

Thanks again!

 

I ran my wiring to the center console. I removed the upper corner trim piece (at the front hinge (so to speak) and drilled the hole in there. It's a pretty big hole for the ipod2car plug.... but I like it because I can either use it outside the console or keep it inside the console. The lid shuts with barely any pressure on the wiring.

Not exactly the best way, but I've grown to like it and it keeps everything hidden completely.

 

Ahh the delphi days - back when things were fresh & new and really exciting. That was a long time ago. How things change....

I love this tacoma, but not nearly as much as my first one and the excitement of the delphi days.

<sorry, off topic>

 

I think this is what I would like to do as well. It looks like it will be pretty easy to pop the front two cupholders out. Did you have to remove any more panels to get the wire back to the center console, or could you just feed it or use something to pull it up from the new hole?

Do you have a picture of the end product?

Thanks, Janster!

 

Your routing might depend on what system you go with and where you're wiring will come from.... with the ipod2car, I mounted the box in small space inbetween the radio & glove box (tywrapped to a metal structure). My wiring stayed underneath the dash and directly under the shifter area.

I have an auto - so I removed the entire shifter cover. Pull upwards on it evenly both sides. It should pop out. This will give you access underneath and you can tywrap the wiring securely. I removed the center console cover and the trim piece.... so I could make my hole in there. The ipod2car plug/hole is about 3/4" long and about 1/4" wide (I used a dremel. Dremel + plastic makes a nasty mess). Then - just reach up in there with your hands.....

 

How is the audio quality?

I care nothing about controlling my ipod with my head unit, all I want is a good connection for me to get some music into my truck. I haven't bought a CD since I was 14.

Can you plug an iPod and a Sirius Radio into the Metra at the same time? Previous owner of my Taco put in a Sirius Radio and it sounds like shit because he wired it into the FM.

 

does anyone know if i use the usa spec ipod interface, if i am still able to use my indash 6 disc cd changer?

 

I ordered the USA Spec interface from Crutchfield, it should be here tomorrow. I had an Ipod Ice>Link adapter in my last car that hooked up to the aux. cd changer input, that worked well but I don't know if there is one available for the Tacoma. We'll see how it goes tomorrow.

 

I have the USA spec and love it. i bought two when I bought my truck (one for the wife's 05 4-Runner). It took less than 40 minutes to install both. The only annoyance is the slow "warm up" when first plugged in or when switching playlists. After plugging it in there is no delay when turning ignition off and on. The unit easily zip tied behind radio and cord ran into glove box.
I found this site when I was looking for directions and pictures for removing the radios in my vehicles and now my mod wish list is never ending. A thread on how to do the mods and pay for them without the wife knowing has crossed my mind.

 

I installed mine last night. I have the JBL 6 disc changer. It works great so far. It took about 25-30 minutes - most of which was spent routing the cable and deciding where to mount the interface. I ended up routing the cable to the glove box and velcroed the interface to the inside of the glove box door.

 

thanks a lot!! i wasn't sure because there is no aux button on the original 6 disc deck.....do you know how you switch from cd to the usa spec interface?