02 Toyota Tacoma Stereo Upgrade

I’m looking for a recommendation on a handsfree/ Bluetooth “plug and play” stereo for my 02 Tacoma. I’d like to install the stereo myself, and idc if it has a fancy display or monitor. Does anyone suggest simply installing the “CRUX BTS-TY1 Bluetooth” attachment?

Here is a link: CRUX BTS-TY1 Bluetooth Music Streaming for Select Scion and Toyota Vehicles https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01JODG46M?_encoding=UTF8


Attached is a picture (from Google) of the stock stereo that is in my truck. Any suggestions or advice concerning the install process would be very helpful, too! Thanks.

 

Is the install difficult? I don’t want to take my dash apart, and then realize I made a huge mistake.

 

It's quite literally a 5 minute job.

Dash/buttons pull out by hand. Can't remember if the bezel is held on by screws, maybe 4.

Stereo held in by 4 screws.

 

I like the sound of that. Thanks, fellas!

 

I just put a new stereo in my truck (again) and I'm finding that I really like this one... by all means, shout if you have questions.

A Stereo that Just Works – Kenwood DMX906S – ADVENTURETACO

Oh, and here's how to remove the interior to do the install, it's simple. Note that you only need to follow the steps up to the center panel; you don't need to remove the rest of the dash.

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I also have a Kenwood double DIN and find it extremely hard to see the screen in the day time. Do you have the same issues?

 

I don't have any issue seeing my Kenwood hu during the day however it does have the tilt feature which some of the lower end models do not.

 

No issues seeing the screen on mine. It might be that older LCD technology what is directional, or more directional and newer tech.

I don’t have the tilting screen, though I wish I did, since our is in such a poor location.

 

I'm a big fan of installing cheap but nice quality stereos. I like to go with the Alpine UTE-73BT which is right around $100 and then install it using an adapter harness like this:

$8 Metra 70-1761 Radio Wiring Harness For Toyota 87-Up Power 4 Speaker

https://www.amazon.com/Metra-70-1761-Wiring-Harness-Speaker/dp/B0002BEQJ8

And then you can buy this so you have a pocket underneath your stereo:

$16 AI UPT900 Universal Pocket Dash Mount

https://www.amazon.com/UPT900-Universal-Pocket-Dash-Mount/dp/B00C86IL14

I've bought four of these stereo units and I've been happy with every single one of them. They work well and the Bluetooth is a nice touch. Super cheap and are easy to install. Just connect color to color on the adapter harness and the stereo harness and you're good to go! Plus I like having the extra storage underneath the stereo for my wallet or phone.

The stuff I posted is universal as well, doesn't apply just to the Alpine. If you get a touchscreen unit or something like that you won't need the pocket.

 

Highly recommend this stereo to anyone looking.

I installed it in my Tacoma (gone), and my 4Runner.

I don't use a wired camera, but the option is nice. For me really it's the apple carplay/android auto and the ability to use your phone for GPS and streaming all while charging.

Never had an issue with not being able to see the screen in either vehicle on bright sunny days.

Now if only Gaia updated their platform to work over android auto

 

I have the crux setup. I hate it. It has a LOT of hissing feedback at reasonable volumes and the sound quality is very weak. I’m replacing it with a new HU soon