In our 5th Gen 4Runner Mods (Part1) post, we touched on the basics of modding out your 4Runner. One of those steps was window tint and blacking out your 4Runner. Tinting your 4Runner can have a dramatic transformation at an affordable cost. The 5th Gen 4Runner comes with 20% factory tint on the rear windows and nothing on the front. This leaves your stock 4Runner looking very “stock”.
If you go with 20% tint on the back window and all the way around, you will be fine. The 5th Gen 4Runner already comes with a factory window tint at 20%-30%. So, if you are going to add another layer of 20% tint film over the factory tint, you would be at 10%. I think that is how it works, correct me if I am wrong.
If however, you want to black out the windows with 3% tint, that will turn the overall tint to a 2% or more than limo tint. You will run into a couple issues with “more than limo” tint. My main issue; it is very hard to see out of the rear window when looking in the rear-view. Also, you run the risk of getting pulled over. Not a big deal these days. But it is still well worth it, in the end, to go with a 5% tint all the way around. Except for maybe 20% on the front windows.
Table Of Contents
1. Clean All Windows
2. Remove Plastic Cover on Rear Hatch
The biggest pain in the ass about tinting a 4Runner is the rear window and the windshield. But, the rear window has to be done in multiple stages and requires removal of the rear hatch plastic cover. The rear hatch plastic cover can be removed by unbolting one bolt from the outside and then disconnecting the speaker wires. Once you have disconnected the speaker wires, you can completely remove the plastic cover. There is a large surface area that can not be accessed for tinting the window unless you remove the rear hatch cover. So, this is the biggest part of the process. I am no tint expert but have witnessed a few 4Runners get tinted. It’s a process.
3. Prepare and Cut Tint Film
4. Apply Film
5. Clean All Areas Around Windows
Window Tint Percentages all the way around:
- Front Window: 50%
- Front Side Windows: 35%
- Rear Windows: 3% over factory 20%
What’s it like with 50% Window Tint on the Windshield?
It’s amazing. This is my girl’s 2016 SR5 4Runner. On our 2014 Trail 4Runner, we currently have a layer of polycrystalline tint on the front windshield, which blocks up to 80% of heat. While it’s great at reducing heat, it doesn’t block sunlight as effectively as darker window tint film.
When I hop into the 2016 SR5, I’m struck with window tint envy. The darker tint all around not only provides better protection from the sun and glare but also looks much better from the outside.
Another Touch? If you want to take blacking out your 4Runner to the next level, check out the 5th Gen 4Runner Blackout Kit. This affordable, press-on emblem kit is a fantastic way to enhance the look of any 4Runner model.
NOTE: Window tint laws vary by state. Be sure to check your state’s regulations before tinting your windows and proceed at your own risk. If your tint exceeds the legal limit, you could face fines.
Is there an emblem Blackout Kit you recommend to use or avoid?
I’m surprised more people are not using tinted “Security” window film. I’ve had it on a few vehicles when I worked overseas. It’s amazing stuff. It isn’t bullet proof or even bat/hammer proof but it takes a full grown adult at least 15 hard/fast full out give it all you got swings to knock out a window.
I’ve been to 3 local (MT) window tint/stereo shops to inquire about getting it installed on my Gen 6 4Runner and they act like I have two heads. Has anyone else used a security window tint film in the US.
Add 35% tint all around- Is the best in my opinion… Adding it on top of the factory tint in the back windows is what I chose to do… Really helps with the heat and looks great.
Do you have any trouble looking out the back end at night with 3% on top of factory?
I was thinking about doing 20 all around and something clear for the front windshield.
Anyone try this option before? 20 all around, I also want to make sure i can see out easily at night. I feel 35 over factory in the rear is a little light
Would anyone recommend 20s all around over 20 in the driver/passenger, and then 35 all in the rear?
Jonathan, yeah our tint was dark. Probably too dark as the back window is very hard to see out of at night. Unless you really want to go with a blacked out look, 20% tint is probably a safer option when it comes to seeing out your window at night.
i did not know you can put an additional layer of window tint over the existing layer my 3erd gen 4runner window are already pretty dark i live in calif and i would like to tint my driver and passenger window but i don’t know how dark i can go without getting a ticket if anyone can tell me i would appreciate that info.larry b
I would ask a vehicle inspector OR google the window tint laws for your state. The inspector should know what the law is for this.
Thank you.
I am unclear if the tint is being applied over the existing tint? Is that possible? I live in the state of Virginia and was curious how to accomplish this with the strict laws in this state.
Shaf,
You can tint over factory tint, for sure. Factory tint is actually just dipped and dyed glass that has a dark pigment.
Our factory tint on the rear windows and rear hatch is around 20%. I am not too sure what the Virgina laws are on window tint but I know in California, you are legally not allowed to go under 30% on the front driver/passenger windows. I don’t think you are even allowed to have tint on the front windshield, but you can have a 4″ tint strip at the top, someone can correct me if I am wrong on that. We have 20% tint on our front windows and 40% polycrystalline (heat resistant) tint on our front windshield. When in doubt, head into your local tint shop and see what they recommend you get away with. Every state is different.
“If you go with 20% tint on the back window and all the way around, you will be fine. The 5th Gen 4Runner already comes with a factory window tint at 20%-30%. So, if you are going to add another layer of 20% tint film over the factory tint, you would be at 10%. I think that is how it works, correct me if I am wrong.”
I think you might be wrong.
Think of it this way – Your are starting with a “light level” of 100. The light passes though the factory tint with a VLT of 30%, so you are left with a “light level” of 30. Then the light of level 30 passes though the 20% tint film (VLT 20%), resulting in a “light level” of 6 (30 x 0.2 = 6). Thus, you end up at 6%.
Excellent site
But what if you vary the 40%minus the T=<C polynomial darkened out Factor of 17? OOOOOOOH MY GAAAWD…. just take it to your local pimp shop, say “Look here homey I need to see but don’t need to be seen ya dig” worked for me on my 2016 SR5 Black 4Runner. It’s ridiculously impossible to see inside and keeps the heat at bay too boot.
Damn! I like it. I don’t even think the guy who tinted my windows could have said it any better. Thanks for clearing that up Randall. I just had to google “vlt tint meaning” -> VLT (Visible Light Transmission) The “NET” portion refers to the combination of both glass and film, and not just the film alone.
Thanks again man.