3rd Gen (1996-2002) Toyota 4Runner Center Console Lid Hinge

Make sure to print this with PETG or another reasonably heat-resistant filament, especially if you live in a hotter climate. PLA is not the best choice for this print. Also, make sure to enable supports. I've found that using tree supports over regular supports works best.

I made this to repair a broken living hinge on my own 4Runner's center console lid hinge, and I figured that someone else is probably out there experiencing the same problem that I had who could benefit from this. This isn't a complete replacement; instead, it just glues to the original parts to fix them. I'm not certain if there is a difference in the center console lid design on post-facelift (1999-2002) models, so I can't verify that it will fit on those, but I'm certain that it does fit on a 1996-1998 model 4Runner. Also, I want to note that the center console lid that I designed this for was an aftermarket one from eBay; however, as far as I can tell from photos of genuine Toyota center console lids, this should fit them as well because they look nearly identical.

Steps for printing and assembly:

1. For your hinge pin, put a piece of filament at least 90mm in length off to the side; I suggest using a 5-inch piece and trimming it later, just to be safe.

2. Print the hinge with the longest length going vertically using PETG or another filament that will hold up well to the heat inside a car. Also, ensure supports are enabled (I used tree supports).

3. Once finished printing, align the top and bottom pieces together (the surfaces should lie flat together, and the hinge holes should line up when properly aligned). If this is confusing, I also left a photo so you can see visually what I mean by this.

4. Insert the piece of filament through the holes in the hinges. You may need to use pliers to help pass it through all the way.

5. Trim any excess filament sticking out of the ends of the hinge with a utility knife.

6. Using a utility knife and file, trim off and sand down enough material from the old, original living hinge to make space for this hinge. IMPORTANT NOTE: Make sure to leave a bit of a lip on the lid itself. I designed the top part of the hinge ("Top hinge piece") with a slight notch to help with aligning the hinge when gluing.  That notch indexes in with that lip that you get by not shaving the old hinge down completely.

7. Using super glue or something similar, glue the “Bottom Hinge Piece” side of the hinge to the bracket from the old center console lid (the part with the holes to screw the lid to the actual center console). Be conservative with the glue; using too much will lead to it oozing out and could get all over the hinges.

8. Glue the “Top Lid Piece” to the lid and butt the notch onto the lip that I mentioned earlier to make aligning the hinge significantly easier.

9. Let the glue set, and then screw the center console lid on as you would normally

Feel free to modify this design however you want; make it fit your needs.

I appreciate you taking the time to look at my design.