I am on my second set of antenna mast, and don't want the motorized antenna anymore. I know most people went the Tacoma whip antenna route, but I want to see if there are cheaper alternatives.

The Tacoma whip mod costs roughly $70, I searched there was a poorman's mod using Autozone parts that costs under $15:

"Here it is fellas finally downloaded the pics. to my tightwad poormans tacoma wannabee 4runner antenna mod.

Just say no to stealerships.

Autozone: antenna assembly AW-UT91 narrow antenna $6.99 includes stainless antenna whip.

rubber antenna AW-RM1R rubber antenna $3.99"

Now I went to Autozone and they don't carry AW-UT91 anymore, can't even order. Is there any other way besides the Tacoma whip antenna and the AW-UT91? The guy at Autozone said the "universal antenna" are a hassle to use, a whole lot of modifications are needed.

 

I put a flexible rubber antenna on my '85 (after breaking two power antenna masts):


More info:
- http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTri...acement/6.html

 

The guy at autozone is an idiot. I bought the universal one from autozone and it was easy to install and I've had it on for 3 years with no trouble. The hardest part was getting the old mast out and since you've replaced yours already you should have no problem. The universal ones come with different spacers depending on the angle of where its mounting. I had to trim one of the spacers to a steeper angle but that took 5 min with a hack saw.

 

hmmm... mine is a 3rd gen, shouldn't be that different from a 1st and 2nd gen... I think I'll get the Universal from Autozone to try.

 

Tacoma antenna does not need to cost anywhere near $70. Just get the antenna base with wiring of course and pick up a mast at a junkyard. Right around $36 for a brand new Tacoma antenna. Junkyard would be less of course.

By the way that fixed mast was standard on base Runners also. I can get you a real part number if you need it.

Yah do not pay $28 or whatever for that black mast-1st gen or even 2nd gen mast will mate up to the threads. If you must have black then get a cheap can of spray paint.

Lastly just consider adding a switch and preserving life of the motorized antenna and resale value if you ever sell the Runner. I never did convert to Tacoma mast and now my antenna just stays down in the fender and only comes up when I switch it to do so. Your rear antenna provides quite decent reception alone...

Forum Member Rock Slide did a great thread on combining antenna signals and adding a switch to control the front one. Also much cheaper than $70.

 

Hello I need help in replacing my antenna, I have the glove box out trying to get the passenger air bag out so I can gain access but can't seem to remove it trying to remove the r/side a/c vent and having trouble with that also. Any recommendations on removing the passenger air bag and a/c vent so I can remove the antenna assembly? Thanks in advance.

 

Most of us got to our antenna through the Front wheel well...

 

...because that's where it is, behind a plastic liner. To get to it from the cabin, you'd have to sawzall a hole in the (metal) firewall. The liner is held in by square plastic clips. You will break most of them, so buy new ones.