Greetings,

Toyota fan, I have a 1998 4Runner and 2006 Tacoma and am poised to add a Lexus GX470 to the list.

I am looking at two with the ML audio system and one without that or the navigation system. At a quick glance it seems the ML system is tough to replace?? Would it make sense to get a truck without it and add all new aftermarket components?

 

If you're going to gut the system entirely including speakers and amp it doesn't matter. If your plan is to replace the just head unit and keep the factory speakers and amp, this can be done relatively easy with the truck w/o navigation.

 

HVAC controls are built into the Nav head unit, so you either want to start with a non-nav truck, or convert to non-nav by adding the external HVAC controls, and then installing an aftermarket head unit of your choice.

There are also Android based head units that replace the entire center of the dash, and have integrated HVAC controls built into them, some say they work great but others report glitches and issues with them, so do your research before committing to anything.

 

What exactly are you trying to do? I own an 2007 with ml. I've swapped all door speakers, subs, & head unit. I made sure to buy all 8 ohm speakers so everything would work with the OEM amp. Head unit works amazing, zero complaints.

 

I purchased a nice 2008. I don’t know if I’ll do anything but I live near Crutchfield and they don’t support changing out the head unit. What unit did you buy?

 

I got this unit

https://phoenixautomotiveinc.com/col...-470-2003-2009

You can use the OEM camera, you'll have to do some additional wiring to make it work, or you can install an aftermarket back-up cam. Install is super easy IMO.

 

You can also get a beatsonic module and just replace the single din radio below the screen with whatever you want if you want to keep everything else the same