Retrofitting 99 - 02 4Runner Rear Cargo Box into a 96-98 4Runner

[Bob98SR5]

I don't know what my obsession is with these retrofit projects, but it's my opinion that the interior design of the 99s and newer were much better than the 96-98.

So here's an easy one if you have access to a junkyyard: buy the rear cargo panels for both sides, the cargo light panel, as well as the bottom cargo hatch sill. You may choose to buy more, but the ones I've mentioned are enough.

Begin by removing the old side panels. You do not need to unbolt the seat belt, but if you want to make it easy for yourself, do it. You need a socket (iirc 14mm) to remove the seat bolt belt.

Next, take your grinder and go to town. Be careful not to cut into any of the water and rear light wires. Cut as shown by the red lines. Also, cut a large hole for the passenger rear tail lights. You will need to run the cable through that hole as the cable is not lon enough to accomodate the much bigger box.

Snap in your new cargo box and panels and youre done. I always missed this cargo box from my 1st 99 4runner. Now I got it back :)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/happybob/3964779089/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/happybob/3964778967/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/happybob/3964779089/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/happybob/3964779015/in/photostream/ (http://www.flickr.com/photos/happybob/3964779015/in/photostream/)

[4x4mike]

Very nice Bob. Is the passenger panel that much different between the 2 spans of years? Reason I ask is that I've wanted to add a storage door in the passenger side. The smaller '96 doors would work but if the panel won't work with mine I'll have to think up something else.

[cplvc]

Nice I remember discussing this with Mike at Pismo.

[garrett]

nice! i have wanted to do this forever but never got around to it. good to know its more involved than just swapping out the panels...