IPod Integration to Stock Headunit

[DNAhilux]

Well I am trying to find the best way to hardwire the ipod into the stock headunit and would like to know if anyone has any experience with the hardwire options from such companies as USA Spec and DICE to name a few. They plug into the rear of your stock deck and then to some converter they provide then to your IPOD. They have the option for the 99, however I hear mixed reviews on funcionality. I am avoiding the tape and FM transmitter option. Also if anyone has any pics of the rear of their stock deck that would be appreciated. Thanks.

[YotaFun]

There is someone on TOF (yotatech) that has done this, Starbuck3733t i believe is his screen name over there.

He went on an off-road trip with me and he had done what your looking to do.
The reason I actually remember this is because I was jealous.

he has a 02 limited runner so I don't know if that would be an issue.

The tape is not a bad alternative though, I had to take an after market route cause I was to lay to fix my ipod but I would rather my ipod charge while it is playing.

Do avoid the FM transmitter, they do suck terribly...... imho

[DNAhilux]

Thanks for the help. and by going through his posts I found he has a 6CD changer, so I think that is the catch with those hardwires. I was reading on the web about how they use the slave drive or something for the 6CD changers, so it looks like I am SOL with this unless I drop in a 6CD changer. Now ill have to check compatibility with what I have now.

[YotaFun]

Interesting.
Never would have thought about that.
You don't think you could score a cheap changer on eBay?

[DNAhilux]

Yup thats what i meant for checking compatibility. Going to see whats on ebay for 6cd changer and what will be a direct swap with what i have at the moment. Im assuming any newer (00-02)3rd gen 4runner will work or even some taco's, but I guess its back to searching the archives!

[DNAhilux]

So I have been doing some searching and it looks like I will be good with a unit from a company called Axxess, by Metra. Neat features to it. You can get just the straight up one and you control everything from the ipod and it goes for about $50. Or you can get a different model that allows you to control from your deck, with of course limited function. OR. you can add a LCD display that connects to the integration unit and control your ipod from there..pretty slick
http://www.axxessinterface.com/vehicleguide.aspx

[neliconcept]

well i dont know how mine is done, but its cabled to the back and docks into my cd player, however im using an aftermarket players. so that doesnt help much at all.

only thing i can think of to do is use a mini to mini jack to the ipod somehow and connect it to the stock headunit, all controls goes through the ipod.

then get a cigarette lighter charger for the ipod.

[DNAhilux]

Ya this plugs into the stock cd player where an external changer would be plugged in. It actually also charges the ipod, so no need for a cig. charger.

[4x4mike]

I used this in my truck http://www.stu-offroad.com/electrical/fm/fm.htm
I had an Alpine aftermarket head unit but that shouldn't matter. You need 12V, a ground and access to the antenna plug on the head unit. I searched around and found it on eBay for around $40.

[DNAhilux]

Well i picked up an Ipod2car system by Peripheral but havent updated the post yet as I havent installed it since I was waiting for a backorderd ram mount, and its cold outside!
I did too much reading and found that this will work for my application and should be good.
Also I had a 50$ gift card from the store so it kinda all fell into place. Ill post up when its in.