1994 4Runner New Stereo Install Help

[manofsteele08]

Hey all,

I'm rallying up the parts to install a new stereo system in my 1994 4Runner. I already replaced the front speakers recently and the rear speakers are not original but sound great and seem to in good shape (I bought it from my wife's uncle). I am planning on installing the following:

-single dim head unit (haven't picked out the one I want yet)
-1000 watt amp
- 1x 1100 10" sub woofer

I have done a few personal projects with home theater systems and home audio for myself, friends and family, but car audio is uncharted territory for me and I feel like I don't know what I am doing. So, I don't want to screw anything up and want to research as much as possible before taking on this project. What are the big things I should know and be aware of? In particular to a '94 runner. With that hardware, what size/gauge cable do I need? Whats the best way to run the cable? I'm not looking to get huge bass and bumping (I don't want to be heard a mile away) but, just a good strong bass for enjoyment. Any tips or pointers would be greatly appreciated!!! Thanks!

 

[tigger]

Hey all,

I'm rallying up the parts to install a new stereo system in my 1994 4Runner. I already replaced the front speakers recently and the rear speakers are not original but sound great and seem to in good shape (I bought it from my wife's uncle). I am planning on installing the following:

-single dim head unit (haven't picked out the one I want yet)
-1000 watt amp
- 1x 1100 10" sub woofer

I have done a few personal projects with home theater systems and home audio for myself, friends and family, but car audio is uncharted territory for me and I feel like I don't know what I am doing. So, I don't want to screw anything up and want to research as much as possible before taking on this project. What are the big things I should know and be aware of? In particular to a '94 runner. With that hardware, what size/gauge cable do I need? Whats the best way to run the cable? I'm not looking to get huge bass and bumping (I don't want to be heard a mile away) but, just a good strong bass for enjoyment. Any tips or pointers would be greatly appreciated!!! Thanks!

If you aren't looking to be heard a mile away, 1000w amp and 1100w sub is kind of overkill, like really overkill.
You will need 4 ga wire at min to power the amp. Run power down one side of the vehicle and signal down the other side. If you pick up your head-unit from Crutchfield, they will provide a master sheet on installation and provide free lifetime support on your install aspects.

 

[manofsteele08]

Tigger,

Thanks for the quick reply and info. I guess I should have premised with that fact that I am getting the Sub and Amp from a friend. He is moving cross country and doesn't use this system anymore but is still in good shape. He is selling them to me at low cost. If they are too much for not wanting to be too loud I can always throttle down the amp right? I also have a toggle switch from a camera rig I built a while back; would you recommend installing the toggle switch for quick bass on/off? Thanks!

 

[manofsteele08]

I should also mention that he is including a 2.2 Farad Capacitor. Not sure how/if it would be of use at all. Or if it's even worth installing?? Thanks!

 

[tigger]

Don't know why you would need the switch. You can always shut off the bass if you had to from the head unit.

The capacitor is one of those things that you don't really know if you need it until after the install. If you are pushing the amp hard, and see the headlights dim, it probably wouldn't hurt to install it. Depends on the power draw of the amp. I switched to the digital amps so got rid of my cap a while ago.

 

[manofsteele08]

Ok great! I will install the system first and see if the cap is needed.

This might be sorta of a dumb question but, with the head unit, the current stock unit is a single dim and has the pocket below it for storing whatever. Do I still need to get a new dash kit for the new stereo that is also single dim, or will the stock one work?

 

[tigger]

Ok great! I will install the system first and see if the cap is needed.

This might be sorta of a dumb question but, with the head unit, the current stock unit is a single dim and has the pocket below it for storing whatever. Do I still need to get a new dash kit for the new stereo that is also single dim, or will the stock one work?

Stock one should work fine.