2003 4Runner Limited JBL Upgrade Project

[jrlsail]

Sold the LR3 so the wife is back to driving the 2003 4Runner. Many of speakers are breaking down and the 6-disc is busted. So she has tasked me with upgrading.

Goals of the upgrade:

1) Working CD Player
2) USB/Aux Input
3) Double DIN
4) Replaced Subwoofer (factory just rattles)
5) Replaced Front speakers (door mid-basses, door tweets, dash if needed)
6) Keep Existing Amp
7) With 115k miles, i am looking to minimize cost to make it usable, nothing more/less

Plan on Purchasing:

1) Kenwood/JVC D-DIN Deck (this seems to be the easy part - 4v per recommendation on interface
2) PAC TATO Interface
3) PAC Steering interface
4) Metra/Best D-DIN Kit
5) 8" Sub - DVC 2ohm per - shallow
6) 6.5 Components
7) Scosche 6x9 to 6.5 speaker adapters (4Runner)
8) Single Dash speaker - unknown

Challenges (looking for feedback)

1) 4V output on HU per recommendation for interface (should be fine)
2) Sub - 2ohm dual voice coil with 3" clearance (ugh, only one i found so far is the Rockford new 8" slim DVC 2-ohms per - looked everywhere)
3) Components - not understanding the processing of the JBL i suspect it crosses over, no idea what freq so i will have to install the components without the cross over (i'll play the lotto the same day)
4) Dash - I assume the JBL will take the 4-chan output is still process some sound to this speaker - may have to replace as the cone is cracked. this is where i start thinking about a complete rewire and buy an amp.

Have not found a good reference to the JBL amp outside of the 4Runner wire diagram. Any input/thoughts on the above is appreciated.

Budget:

HU - $300
JBL interface - $54
Steering Interface - $50
DIN kit - $15
6x9t6.5 Speaker Adapters - $20
Components - $120
Sub - $120
Dash - $50
Install - $250
Total - $1000

 

[rhefter823]

I would recommend replacing the amp. It is not worth the headache of using the JBL adapter and all the issues that come with it. If all you want is to power the sub and the front speakers just get a 4 way amp and bridge two channels.

I started with using the JBL amp and after time realized all the limitations (touch the fader or balance at all and the amp will start to cut out your speakers) and just gutted everything. It sucks, but once you start replacing components of the JBL system you realize how bad it is.

 

[Sungod]

Here is my opinion. I am about half way through replacing mine in my 03 so I know what you are looking at.
1. I would skip the Tato. It is junk.
2. Ditch the factory amp and replace it with a small amp to power a new 8" sub in the same enclosure.
3. If you are going with the steering wheel controls, you might as well add the bluetooth buttons if your new HU supports it. I went with the AVIC Z120 (the z130 is out now). It support voice commands and I found that I use the buttons more than I thought I would.
4. Dash kits. They all seem to come up short. I went with the 'best kit'. It seems they didn't put the fan controls in when they made their kit and you have to do some cutting to get it to work right. I am going to order a new one and play with my router table to make it perfect.
5. I removed the center speaker because of lack of room. Once you add the TATO, and the steering wheel controls space vanishes. It actually works out better without it because now I have good air flow for my HU.

Right now I am running the HU with the TATO. My plan in the next few weeks is to replace the speakers and run them off the HU and a small amp to run the SW. I will run new wire to the front speakers and cut and splice the rears since I will put the 6.5s in the door and run the 1" tweeters in the C pillars. All the wires for the 4 speakers converge in the rear where the amp is. This way I don't have to run new wire. Techncially I could use those wires for the fronts, but I think it is more hassle.

One other thing you need to consider is your antenna. It will suck once you pull your OE unit. There is some crazy design that has two wires plugged into your OE unit. My plan is to put a window mounted antenna in mine.

 

[run4estrunner]

One other thing you need to consider is your antenna. It will suck once you pull your OE unit. There is some crazy design that has two wires plugged into your OE unit. My plan is to put a window mounted antenna in mine.

:withstupid:

That "crazy design" of an antenna is awesome technology called a diversity antenna. These runners use the rear window defrost grid as one antenna along with another body integrated antenna. This design, when taken care of correctly and intelligently with an aftermarket unit, makes for some pretty damn good signal. One wire is a normal Motorola antenna plug, and the other is a micro antenna plug. SO If you were smart enough to do some research, you would find out that all you need is a 'Y' connector and an adapter for the smaller plug along with making sure you connect your blue/white remote antenna wire.

SO... not being hostile to the OP but message me if you are interested in knowing what those parts are and where you can find them. I will let Sungod figure it out himself. Besides, i would love to see his runner have a fender mounted antenna on it like a complete ignorant idiot even though his vehicle has an amazingly technologically advanced antenna already in it. :shrug: what can i say Sungod, what goes around comes around i guess

 

[97BlackAckCL]

having powered 9 aftermarket speakers on the stock JBL amp, I would suggest that you ditch if for a nice 5 channel and run new wires.