[Krayziekid]

So I think my JBL sub is finally on death's doorstep, after 12 good years. It has a god awful rattling and vibrating when the volume is anywhere past 20 or so. Really sounds tacky and crappy. So now I am thinking of upgrading, but there are some caveats.

So I want to upgrade my sub, but I don't need anything crazy. In a perfect world, I am looking for a sub that will fit the stock enclosure, use the stock wiring, and work with the stock amp, with little to no modification. I have searched high and low in threads but I can't really seem to find a consensus on this issue. I know running a new sub with no new wiring or amp will not run it at its full potential, but that's not my primary goal. I really want to get rid of the rattling and make my audio system sound normal again lol.

Any recommendations on subs (hopefully under $100 if possible) would be awesome! Thank you everyone!

[fogcitysurfer]

I did the JL sub, but that required modification. There is a plug and play option and I have seen it on here. Its in someones build thread, but I can't remember which one.

[fogcitysurfer]

Here it is...

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/1486094-post348.html

[Krayziekid]

Originally Posted by fogcitysurfer

Here it is...

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/1486094-post348.html

I saw that one, but if you notice he actually adds a new amp in as well, and I am looking to try and avoid that. Thanks for the input though.

[fogcitysurfer]

I added the JL without a new amp. It doesn't have the output it would with a better amp, but it is at least as good as the stock sub was. I would guess that if you just added the Fosgate sub and ran it off the stock amp it would be better than the stock sub too.

Next step for me will be the Rockford Fosgate R600X5 Prime 5-Channel Amplifier. It fits in the stock space and has a remote bass knob.

[Krayziekid]

Originally Posted by fogcitysurfer

I added the JL without a new amp. It doesn't have the output it would with a better amp, but it is at least as good as the stock sub was. I would guess that if you just added the Fosgate sub and ran it off the stock amp it would be better than the stock sub too.

Next step for me will be the Rockford Fosgate R600X5 Prime 5-Channel Amplifier. It fits in the stock space and has a remote bass knob.

So a new sub can fit in there and just hook up to the original wiring? Or do I have to undo the stock connectors and get those four wires and attach them somehow.

Sorry about all the questions. I am a HUGE newbie when it comes to audio/car sound.

[fogcitysurfer]

I just cut the stock connectors off and attached the wires to the sub. I don't remember what the JL had for connection points. I might have crimped some standard female connectors on the wires. Just the basic disconnects you get at the hardware store. Most likely the sub will have the male end for those or more like the home stereo kind that you just insert the wire into.

[Krayziekid]

Originally Posted by fogcitysurfer

I just cut the stock connectors off and attached the wires to the sub. I don't remember what the JL had for connection points. I might have crimped some standard female connectors on the wires. Just the basic disconnects you get at the hardware store. Most likely the sub will have the male end for those or more like the home stereo kind that you just insert the wire into.

Ok cool. I will take a look around at JL and Fosgate and some other brands and see what other threads I can find about the issue. Thanks for your help!

[Darwalk]

Originally Posted by Krayziekid

Ok cool. I will take a look around at JL and Fosgate and some other brands and see what other threads I can find about the issue. Thanks for your help!

Look for shallow mount subs if you don't want to break the plastic grid off of the inside of the box. If you don't go for a shallow mount, be prepared to break the plastic out. No big deal, but make sure you find every piece you break off or it will rattle in the box. Also, if you aren't going to replace the amp, or run a new amp for the sub, I would suggest not spending over $50 on a new sub. No point wasting money on a JL or better if you are only pushing the stock amp.

[Maughinbaugh]

I used the Rockford Fosgate P3SD2‑8. It went in without modifying the box. I'm still using the factory amp and it drives it just fine. I had to make some new holes to hold it in and cut the connectors to attach wires to the new sub. Super easy swap. I think I paid $90.

[kiwiyoda]

Originally Posted by Maughinbaugh

I used the Rockford Fosgate P3SD2‑8. It went in without modifying the box. I'm still using the factory amp and it drives it just fine. I had to make some new holes to hold it in and cut the connectors to attach wires to the new sub. Super easy swap. I think I paid $90.

Great info, thanks, just ordered one myself.

[4by4th]

If you were happy with the sound before it went bad, you might want to find a shop to recone the speaker. It may be that the foam surround rotted. You can tell if that's the case by looking at it.

[alia176]

Originally Posted by kiwiyoda

Great info, thanks, just ordered one myself.

Did you install this sub and if so, let's hear some details man. I'm about to take the plunge myself and wanted some feedback.

[snowboardwcu]

Originally Posted by fogcitysurfer

I added the JL without a new amp. It doesn't have the output it would with a better amp, but it is at least as good as the stock sub was. I would guess that if you just added the Fosgate sub and ran it off the stock amp it would be better than the stock sub too.

Next step for me will be the Rockford Fosgate R600X5 Prime 5-Channel Amplifier. It fits in the stock space and has a remote bass knob.

I recall seeing an install similar to what you're saying. Guy bypassed the speaker channels from stock sub to drive the JL with more power. Added a 5/7/8 or something (I don't remember how many there are) channel amp to drive the speakers. Seems feasible and cost effective for a sub replacement without losing power.

Just a thought.

I'd love to know what you go with Krazy, come spring I'd like to rip out stock HU, sub and amp and replace. Cost effectively, of course.

[doubleduece]

I just upgraded with a kicker shallow mount sub, no mod required. I also deleted the stock amp and added two new amps, one for the door speakers and one for the sub. I don't know if the kicker is compatible with the stock amp. The kicker subs come in two different ohm ratings, maybe one is compatible....