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Ipod Interfaces for 08 Tacoma

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by TacomaHank08, May 25, 2008.

  1. May 25, 2008 at 10:48 AM
    #1
    TacomaHank08

    TacomaHank08 [OP] Member

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    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.
     
  2. May 25, 2008 at 12:51 PM
    #2
    chris4x4

    chris4x4 With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine. Moderator

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    FlimFlubberJAM
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    4.10 gears, sliders, and lots of buttons.
    Janster has a good right up on the unit she chose. The more expensive units allow use of the steering controls and seem to have more features. She should chime in here in a bit. :)
     
  3. May 25, 2008 at 1:02 PM
    #3
    TacomaHank08

    TacomaHank08 [OP] Member

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    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?
     
  4. May 25, 2008 at 1:15 PM
    #4
    beehunt

    beehunt Well-Known Member

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    Bay Area, Ca
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    '08 TRD Sport Black Sand Pearl
    3in Level kit
    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!
     
  5. May 25, 2008 at 1:37 PM
    #5
    Janster

    Janster Old & Forgetful

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    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.
     
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  6. May 25, 2008 at 4:54 PM
    #6
    chris4x4

    chris4x4 With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine. Moderator

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    4.10 gears, sliders, and lots of buttons.
    Happy to do it. I remember you from the "delphi days" and you are a wealth of info. Cheers! :)
     
  7. May 25, 2008 at 4:57 PM
    #7
    mceagle555

    mceagle555 Tacoma Shrek

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    VA
    Vehicle:
    '05 Impulse Red PreRunner DC TRD OR
    Metra iPod/aux; Rugged Cover Tri-fold Tonneau; Center Console Divider; AFE Pro-Dry S AF; 4-leaf TSB; Fumoto Oil Valve;
    I just installed the $50 metra from Circuit City just yesterday....works wonderfully.
     
  8. May 25, 2008 at 5:01 PM
    #8
    chris4x4

    chris4x4 With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine. Moderator

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    4.10 gears, sliders, and lots of buttons.
    How about steering wheel controls? Can you boost or cut adio output of the ipod?
     
  9. May 25, 2008 at 8:10 PM
    #9
    TacomaHank08

    TacomaHank08 [OP] Member

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    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!
     
  10. May 25, 2008 at 9:34 PM
    #10
    Janster

    Janster Old & Forgetful

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    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.
     
  11. May 25, 2008 at 9:59 PM
    #11
    Janster

    Janster Old & Forgetful

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    :thumbsup:

    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>;)
     
  12. May 26, 2008 at 2:15 PM
    #12
    TacomaHank08

    TacomaHank08 [OP] Member

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    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!
     
  13. May 27, 2008 at 5:22 AM
    #13
    Janster

    Janster Old & Forgetful

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    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.....

    [​IMG]
     
  14. May 27, 2008 at 5:27 AM
    #14
    Khaos

    Khaos Big Member

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    3” spacer lift, 285/75/17 KO2, Spidertrax 1.25” spacers
    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. :(
     
  15. Jun 4, 2008 at 8:47 PM
    #15
    ryan john

    ryan john New Member

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    does anyone know if i use the usa spec ipod interface, if i am still able to use my indash 6 disc cd changer?
     
  16. Jun 4, 2008 at 8:50 PM
    #16
    chris4x4

    chris4x4 With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine. Moderator

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    Welcome to the site, and yes you can! :)
     
  17. Jun 4, 2008 at 9:09 PM
    #17
    shootermcgavinyo

    shootermcgavinyo Well-Known Member

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    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.
     
  18. Jun 4, 2008 at 10:39 PM
    #18
    Clelsdah

    Clelsdah Western Alliance: Yeehaw Division

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    Bed mat, tube steps, Ipod interface, Ride-rite air springs
    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. :ballchain::ballchain:
     
  19. Jun 6, 2008 at 11:49 AM
    #19
    shootermcgavinyo

    shootermcgavinyo Well-Known Member

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    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.
     
  20. Jun 8, 2008 at 7:39 PM
    #20
    ryan john

    ryan john New Member

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    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?
     

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