Dash speaker replacement help

[encitrdpro]

Hey guys- I've been using this old thread to install new dash speakers and am stuck:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-g...le-difference-kappa-3-5-dash-speakers-11.html

I'm midway through dash speaker replacement and have run into some issues while completing the second speaker (driver's side). I'm installing Polk DB 351s. The passenger side was installed without too much headache after I figured out a way to fabricate a little metal bracket to hold the speaker in place. However, the sound wasn't significantly improved over stock, which is odd considering how much larger the new speaker's magnet is. Reading through the thread again (specifically Darkdane's post on page 11) I saw that the reason might be because I didn't remove the black crossover from the little blue OEM speaker harness, which I pried off the original speakers. I decided on the driver's side to 'gently' remove the crossover, but wasn't able to do it cleanly and it broke off. Now sound won't come through the driver's dash speaker when I connect it, and the speaker in the driver's door doesn't work either when the little blue OEM speaker bracket isn't connected to the wiring harness.

My question is - am I safe to sacrifice the blue and white speaker harnesses altogether and just cut back the wires and connect directly to the speaker, or will the door speaker not work then because the blue speaker harness is missing for some reason? Don't really like cutting but I will if I have to. If not, I guess I am in the market for another OEM speaker to pry the backing off of? They are selling that speaker for $70 online, if I can't find one in the classifieds.

Thanks in advance for any insight. This has been a slightly more challenging project than anticipated. Sorry image is upside down- but you get the picture. It's been that kind of morning!

 

[Go JayBee]

You need to bridge the gap where the cap was removed. When I did mine, I just snipped the wires close to the cap and then twisted them together. Quick solder joint, and done.

 

[Keith_PDX]

Exactly. I just installed the db351's in mine last night. You just created an open circuit on the loop back to the door speakers. Take a leg off of a resistor and solder it into where the two legs of the capacitor was to short them together. Everything will be fine from there. Remember to use some foam and seal up around the speaker.

Good luck.

 

[encitrdpro]

Awesome - that worked! The speakers do sound a bit distorted though as I turn the volume up. Possibly need more foam?

Thanks again!

 

[Go JayBee]

Awesome - that worked! The speakers do sound a bit distorted though as I turn the volume up. Possibly need more foam?

Thanks again!

Probably need a "bass blocker" on those tweeters. They are not made for the low frequencies.

 

[Keith_PDX]

I haven't really cranked mine up high but I think they sound great, no distortion at all. If you want to add the bass blocker capacitor that they came with then just solder it into where the little stock capacitor was. Just make sure and add some heat shrink to the rest of the capacitor leg so nothing shorts out when you shove it in the dash.