New Cali Raised LED Center Console MOLLE Panels For 5th Gen 4Runner – Install & Review

Add Storage & Organization With The All New, Low-Profile Cali Raised LED Center Console MOLLE Panels For The 5th Gen Toyota 4Runner – Detailed Install & Review

It’s no secret that the 4Runner’s center console has some pretty useless storage cubbies. While the internet has found some creative uses, they generally aren’t very useful. If you’ve wanted to add some easily accessible, organized storage, Cali Raised LED has just the solution for you with their Center Console MOLLE Panels.

MOLLE panels are a great way to organize your 4Runner’s interior because of the plethora of accessories that are available to mount to them. Are you tired of picking up your water bottle and having the rubber cupholder insert stuck to the bottom of it? You can easily add a MOLLE-compatible water bottle holder with the Center Console MOLLE Panel.

Center console MOLLE panels are also a great place to store your EDC gear like knives, flashlights, or even to mount radios. If you’re looking for an easy way to mount items to this MOLLE panel, check out the R4T Molle Mounts here. This mounting hardware makes it super simple to mount your gear and accessories.

Find It Online:

• Cali Raised LED Center Console MOLLE Panels (Sold as pair): Check Price
• R4T MOLLE Mounts: Check Price
  • Size: 1″x1.5″ or 1″x0.75″
  • Fits: Cali Raised Panels

MOLLE Panel Overview

The Cali Raised LED Center Console MOLLE Panels are laser-cut from 12-gauge American steel and come powder-coated. They are backed by a 2-year warranty, just like Cali Raised LED’s in-house products.

I really like the use of Allen-head screws and threaded inserts for mounting them because it allows quick and effortless removal to add your favorite accessories. It’s way easier to take the panels off than having to fish MOLLE webbing straps through one that’s installed.

Note: There is a slight bend in the panels; this is intentional to better follow the center console’s contour.

I can appreciate the clean aesthetic that Cali Raised LED went for with their Center Console MOLLE Panels. I was never a fan of the full cage type panels that surround the shift knobs. To each their own, but those are just a little overkill for my needs. The Cali Raised LED panels are super low profile and are discreet enough not to draw unwanted attention while your rig is left unattended.

Installation

Installation is super quick for these MOLLE panels and takes less than 30 minutes. They come with all of the required hardware and can be installed with simple tools. It doesn’t matter which side you start the installation on; the steps are exactly the same for both.

Tools Required:

• Power Drill
• 3/8″ Drill Bit
• Masking Tape (Optional)
• 5/32″ Allen Key
• 1/2″ Wrench
• 7/16″ Socket & Ratchet

Step 1. Remove The Shift Knob(s)

You’ll first need to remove the transmission shift knob (and transfer case shift knob, if applicable). To remove either shifter, twist counter-clockwise until you can pull it off of the shifter rod.

Step 2. Remove Center Console Trim Panel

With the shift knobs out of the way, you can remove the center console trim panel. Firmly pull straight up on either side to start disengaging the retention clips.

On the passenger side, a wire harness must be unclipped before the trim panel is completely free. Once all of the retention clips are free, and the wire harness is unplugged, you can pull the trim panel up and over the shift levers.

Step 3. Align Center Console MOLLE Panels

When positioning the Cali Raised LED Center Console MOLLE Panels, be sure to pay attention to any wiring on the inside of the center console. Make sure that where you mark the mounting holes for drilling, won’t hit or damage any of the wires. Cali Raised LED recommends positioning the panels after the center console curves and becomes straight.

You can use a black marker to mark the mounting holes to be drilled. I used a drill bit to make a small etching instead, as a black marker on black trim was hard for me to see.

Step 4. Drill Mounting Holes

The mounting holes for the threaded inserts will use a 3/8″ drill bit. It is recommended that you put masking tape on your drill bit to serve as a stop so that you don’t accidentally drill too far into the center console.

Step 5. Install Threaded Inserts

The threaded brass inserts should install into the drilled holes with little effort. After placing the inserts (three per side), use the provided hardware to secure them.

Place the hexagon-shaped long nut over the long bolt, then start threading the bolt into a threaded insert.

Once you feel the bolt start to have resistance, use a 1/2″ wrench to hold the spacer in place while you use a 7/16″ socket to hand tighten the bolt.

As you begin to tighten the bolt, it will start to crush and secure the threaded insert on the inside face of the center console. It does this in a similar way to how drywall anchors work.

Note: Be careful not to over-tighten the bolt, as the threaded insert can begin to deform the center console plastic.

Step 6. Install Center Console MOLLE Panel

With the threaded inserts secured, you can now install the Center Console MOLLE Panel. Insert a bolt with a washer through the outside of the panel with a small washer on the inside face.

Hand tighten the Allen-head screw with a 5/32″ Allen key.

Once you’ve finished tightening all three mounting screws, repeat the installation process on the opposite side.

Final Thoughts

I have to admit that I was hesitant to drill holes into the center console of my fairly new 4Runner. In general, I try to avoid mods that are irreversible. However, I think the Cali Raised LED Center Console MOLLE Panels are an exception to that rule.

These really are necessary to add any real organization to the front of the 4Runner’s cabin. This is an excellent area to mount radios, flashlights, personal protection, or really whatever you’d like. With only two cup holders to stow anything on the center console, I know that my wife will appreciate me adding an additional water bottle holder or MOLLE-compatible storage bag on the passenger-side MOLLE panel.

If you’re looking for a simple organization solution for your 4Runner that won’t break the bank, definitely take a look at the Cali Raised LED’s Center Console MOLLE Panels! They’ve made me a firm believer in center console MOLLE panels, and for my inner OCD, it is well worth the measly three mounting holes that I had to drill.