What is the stubby? The stubby replaces your stock antenna with a much smaller and cooler-looking antenna. They claim it gives as good, if not even better, antenna performance than your stock antenna. The Stubby is available for just about any make and model of vehicle on the market that has a traditional antenna.
Find It Online:
- Grab the Stubby: Check Price
Note: Not all 4Runners have front-mounted antennas. I have a 2012 5th Gen 4Runner Trail Edition, and it has a front-mounted antenna. So, check your 4Runner to see if it has the correct type of antenna. If it does, you can replace it with The Stubby. Specifically, this antenna will fit on the 2002 (3rd Gen), every model 4th Gen, and early model 5th Gen 4Runners.
Table Of Contents
Review
Well, the stubby sure as hell looks cooler than the stock antenna. It’s also nice not having your antenna flopping around when it catches brush on the side of the trail. As far as radio receiving performance goes, I cannot comment because I honestly haven’t listened to a radio station in almost a decade.
Installation
- Use a set of channel locks, an adjustable crescent wrench, or a 5/16 open-end wrench to remove that stupid stock antenna. You’ll see at the base of the antenna where you can grab it with a wrench or some shit.
- Hand screw in The Stubby antenna. You only need to take it hand tight! No need to torq the shit out of it with your channel locks. I guess you could add some blue Locktite if you’re paranoid about it unthreading, but I’ve had mine on for months and it has stayed secure.
What if I need the rubber it fits into too
You can stop struggling now. The video was meant to be funny. But on a more serious note, the antenna is great for those who routinely get off the beaten path into overgrown trails. I was sick of my antenna constantly catching branches and brush along the trail flapping around. I mentioned both of these points in the video. And yes, it looks cool, I like the minimal look. If I had more time in my life I would make more install videos that weren’t so serious and boring. Some people will get it and some will hate it.
Jay
Ah, good joke. No hate at all, just didn’t get your joke I guess. Thanks for finding time for this article!
I’m struggling with exactly why someone who apparently hasn’t listened to the radio in years, decided to write a review on an AM/FM radio antenna. To look cool?
Apologies, I’m not trying to troll, but seriously… What’s the point here? The review doesn’t really as any value or review.
AM channel works but spotty only in certain sections of I95.