I’ve been searching through the various threads on this and haven’t found a definitive answer. The Subaru kickers apparently don’t work with the JBL system from what I’ve found, and others aren’t made any longer.

Has anyone found a drop in replacement for the dash tweeters/speakers?

Thanks!!!

I had this link bookmarked. It seems to suggest that these speakers work for both JBL and non JBL systems:

OEM Audio Plus C3 Sound Solution For 5th Gen 4Runner Audio Setup

Thanks! From looking at their website I couldn’t tell so I sent them an email asking them if theirs is compatible and I’ll let you know!

Anyone else?

Upgrading the 4Runner’s Dash Speakers for Better Audio Quality

The sweeter tweeter: install solution for the 5th generation 4runner dash tweeters

Audiofrog GS25 GS Series 2-1/2" midrange car speakers at Crutchfield

DIY 3.5" JL Audio dash speaker upgrade - Wow!! (detailed how-to)

What are you unhappy about with the factory JBL system?

People are unhappy with their brand new factory suspensions and such and don't go wheeling every day, but most of us listen to the radio every day we are in a vehicle...
But the factory JBL leaves much to be desired for people that know about music.
I can't really explain what is missing as I have only been in mine a few times and really have not concentrated on the sound...
But I know it does not float my boat either.

I'm with you. I have a 2020 TRD Pro with the JBL and I HATE it. I had a 2016 Avalon with the JBL system in that and it ROCKED. It was one of the best stereos I'd ever had, much less a factory unit. The JBL in the new Pro's is very Flat, almost zero bass, just sounds like a cheap radio to me. If the JBL in the Avalon was a 10, this is a 4 tops. You have to crank it way up before you'll notice any sound coming from the rear at all. It sounds like JUST the dash speakers are driving at you and they sound like cheap paper speakers.

My best friend has been a car stereo dealer for more than 30 years, I've got him looking for solutions and he hasn't come up with anything that will actually work with the JBL system because of the ohm ratings, etc. There doesn't seem to be a good way to take the signal from the JBL head unit, run it through an amp and drive some decent real speakers... I don't want to replace the entire head unit and spend $3500 on it either.

He told me if I take those crappy paper speakers out and put in something decent, it will be a 4 ohm speaker and at full volume, you'd only get about what you previously got at 1/2 volume... So for now, I just ignore it. Bigger fish to fry and all that...

Good luck. If you find a solution, I'd like to know what it is too!

The one suggestion he had was to get a bunch of sound deadening material and put it in the doors and rear hatch door. He figured cutting road noise might make the JBL sound better.

I'll second OEM Audio Plus. I don't have the JBL option, but I've only switched out half the speakers so far and it is a huge upgrade. I'll definitely be getting their AMP/DSP next.

*Just switching out the Tweeters was a considerable difference.

You really shouldn't hear sound from the rear. It screws up the sound stage.

You can run a Helix DSP, Audiocontrol unit and still keep the OEM headunit.


I had a quote for over $30k for a higher-end system to specs I chose, and half was labor.
That included everything, even a "ton" of damping material wires, custom A Pillars...
I just cannot justify that much, but I really don't want to do the work myself and save half that.
So soon, I will go there and talk other options.

What are they using? Some photos look like Image Dynamics, and others look like a mild upgrade over factory.

Awesome. Thanks! I’ll check these out right now

Audiofrog = Andy Wehmeyer from JBL/Harman

I’m not unhappy at all with it! Maybe it isn’t as quite good as the BOSE in my old 2001 Maxima SE which was as good as factory setups get, but I think it’s great!

It’s just that after ten years of blasting tunes the original paper ones are totally fried so they just need replacing and upgrading...

Oh damn.
I didn't even realize it was 10.
I keep forgetting this wasn't a 4 year rehab this time.


I don't know how people view paper cones here, but they aren't "junk".
Most cars have raw paper drivers that obviously last for many years.
(Yes, these are not "car" drivers)
PRO-LF-UNITS — TAD LABORATORIES
SCM150ASL Pro | ATC Loudspeakers

Good point! I wasn’t bashing paper cones per se, in fact I’d probably be happy enough by replacing them with new ones from Toyota TBH. A few years ago I started hearing the crackling and realized I blew them out but I’ve just been lazy til now, and after ten years having to replace them is almost to be expected IMO