The Toyota 4Runner's dash consists of the main instrument panel and several trim panels, including those on the steering column that extend all the way to the center console. A full removal of the dash involves removing each of these panels, the components within the dash (like the radio and gauge cluster) and the panel itself. This exact process can vary depending on the year of your 4Runner.
Disconnect the truck's negative battery cable.
Unscrew the two screws for the knee bolster with your screwdriver. These are located at the bottom edge of the panel. Disconnect the hood latch and fuel cables and pull out the knee bolster.
Lower the steering column and then unscrew and remove the column covers. The screws are located at the bottom of the cover. Separate the two halves after removing the screws.
Pry the instrument cluster bezel off its clips with a trim stick; make sure you don't damage the surrounding trim. Disconnect the electrical connectors.
Remove the fasteners for the center trim panel and pry them off the clips with your stick. On some models, you may need to remove the heater and air conditioner panel first.
Pull out the scuff plates along the bottom edges of the doors, then remove the fasteners for the kick panels and pull them off their clips.
Open the glove box and remove its stop strut fastener with your screwdriver. Squeeze the box by the sides to remove it. Unscrew and remove the panel surrounding the compartment.
Unscrew and remove the insulating panel.
Pry off the trim panels surrounding the gear shift lever with your trim stick and remove the screws for the center console to remove the console.
Unscrew and remove the instrument cluster using your screwdriver, disconnecting the electrical connectors in the rear.
Remove the mounting bolts for the radio with your wrench and remove the radio, disconnecting its antenna lead and electrical connectors.
Disconnect the electrical connector for the passenger's air bag. It is usually in an access panel within the right side of the glove box opening. Unbolt the air bag from the dash.
Unscrew the mounting bolts for the steering column with your wrench and lower the column away from the dash.
Disconnect all remaining electrical connectors fastened to the dash.
Remove all of the instrument panel's fasteners with your wrench or screwdriver. You may need to pry out the vents to access some of the fasteners. Lift and carry the panel out of the truck. This should take two people.
