'98 Subwoofer Install

[greembow]

Hey everyone, I just finished my subwoofer install in my 1998 SR5. This is different than most other installs as the subwoofer isn't just in a box in the back of the truck, rather built into a panel.

I used a Kicker L7T 8" Square Low Profile sub, and 1/8" Acrylic and 1/4" acrylic to make brackets with my CO2 Laser cutter. For the amp, I went with a Soundstream Reserve RSM1.2000D, due to it's small size. The amp is considerably more powerful than required for the subwoofer, so keep the gain low and you'll be fine.

Here are some pictures:

Under the passenger seat:


The subwoofer in the trunk:


A closeup of the subwoofer:


How it all goes together:


I will be making the DXF files free so people can do this same mod, as well as providing a detailed BOM and guide, once I iron out some kinks of v1.

 

[AJPuleo23]

As someone who basically needs to upgrade the sound in everything I've ever owned, this looks excellent. I hope it performs as well as it looks.

I've got the 10" Kicker hideaway under my driver seat having upgraded myself from a space-hog box in the trunk. I always wanted to do what you did however - with the alternative being a custom box that goes over the wheel well. Always wanted something that sat in the cargo area like this.

Thanks for sharing.

 

[MarinersFan95]

Did you screw the amp directly to the metal below the carpet? I just installed a powered subwoofer under the driver seat of my 98 and it sounds great but does rattle a little bit. I'm trying to decide if it's a bad idea or not to screw the thing down directly into the sheet metal of the floor.

 

[greembow]

Did you screw the amp directly to the metal below the carpet? I just installed a powered subwoofer under the driver seat of my 98 and it sounds great but does rattle a little bit. I'm trying to decide if it's a bad idea or not to screw the thing down directly into the sheet metal of the floor.

I'm a massive nerd, so I used these rivet nuts from mcmaster as I had some on hand. I've always just used #8 or #10 stainless sheet metal screws and have never had a problem.

 

[greembow]

As someone who basically needs to upgrade the sound in everything I've ever owned, this looks excellent. I hope it performs as well as it looks.

I've got the 10" Kicker hideaway under my driver seat having upgraded myself from a space-hog box in the trunk. I always wanted to do what you did however - with the alternative being a custom box that goes over the wheel well. Always wanted something that sat in the cargo area like this.

Thanks for sharing.

Nice setup! Sadly that was out of the question for me as I have a 4 channel amp and a ham radio under my driver's seat and the rear heater. I love how this ended up looking though.

 

[gamefreakgc]

If you put a bit of dynamat or similar product on the metal of the quarter panel as well it really helps out the sound, not 100% coverage just a piece the size of the woofer cone directly behind it. I also did that with all 4 door speakers. Helps get rid of rattles from the bass and just loud music in general. Clean install with the mount.