How hard is it to install an amp?

[claytonb78]

Hello Fellow 4Runner Owners,

I am currently looking at replacing my factory deck and possibly upgrading the speakers & installing an amp. I am pretty sure I can handle the deck and speakers but was curious how hard people think installing an amp is? More particularily, is it worth paying an installer to do or can I do it myself? I have installed a deck or two before but nothing like an amp and quite honestly, the electrical part scares me a bit. Then again, I could save some serious money by doing it myself. I'm a fairly intelligent person and should have enough time to do it...I just wanted to know what everyone here thought about in being a DIY project.

Oh, and just to throw this one out there...any recommendations on amps or speakers? As always, thank you for your advice and have a great day.

 

[Wolf]

You can DIY! Just get a good kit like Rockford Fosgate RFK4 - 4 gauge power and ground, fuse and ring clamps, distribution block if your using more than 1 amplifier. Get a rubber grommet the same size as your wire off the battery to go through the firewall. You'll have to have all the tools necessary for removing your seats and the lower panels to get the wiring under the carpet and you'll still need to get to the head unit anyway for wiring the remote power to turn the amp on and off and the rca's/ speakers. If you can get it installed professionally from a place like Al & Eds or by someone who can give you a warranty on their work it might be worth the time it takes to do it yourself. I've had good luck with Rockford Fosgate, Alpine and Kicker amps in the past and will be putting in a couple RFs in the Runner next week myself.

 

[Clemsonfan15]

I would get 1/0 gauge wire. To install the amp you will have to do some major things such as cut a whole in your firewall and remove a good portion of your interior. The last part depends on the install though. If you want it to look good then you will need to quite a few pieces. If you don't care how it looks then you can just leave the wire showing.

I would personally spend the $80-$100 and let someone else do it. I would not go to Best Buy or Circuit City to have it done either.

 

[004Gunner]

You can make the install look professional if you take the time to do it right. 1/0 gauge is for monster systems so check your amp installation guide to see which gauge is appropriate, more than likely 8 or 4 will be what you need. You don't always have to remove seats or cut into your firewall either. If you do remove seats make sure you have a torque wrench to put the bolts back to proper specs. I used an existing grommet in my firewall to punch through in my install. The hardest part is finding where to route the wires so that you will not get interference and so they remain hidden. The power wire should be kept away from your RCAs and speaker wires so keep this in mind when planning the wiring. Overall it's pretty easy with only a few rules to follow

 

[claytonb78]

Thank you everyone for your insight. Shortly after posting this I found an excellent "how to" video on Cruntchfield which was very informative. Pretty much they said what everyone here did. I am hoping the existing firewall grommet has space for one more cable and this sounds like an excellent DIY project. I'm looking at a Kicker amp, the 350.4 I believe, and I'll be sure to get a good amp kit.

IF I may ask a follow-up question in regards to speakers, how hard is it to install new tweeters? My 4Runner has the tweeters built into the door and I'd really like to replace them with new components up front. Also, how hard is it to convert the 6x9 speakers in the front door to 6 1/2". Crutchfield seems to think they are already 6 1'2s" but in my research they are in fact 6x9s but it looks like Crutchfield provides special brackets for the doors so maybe this kit is all I need to make the conversion.

Currently I am looking at replacing my desk with either the Pioneer 800bt or 980bt, installing a 4 channel amp...likely the Kicker 350.4, and installing new speakers in the front and back...likely Infinity Kappa series components. Any other recommendations or vendors to purchase through? Lately I've been looking at www.sonicelectronics.com but would definitely say I'd feel more comfortable going with Crutchfield because of their excellent customer service (and being an official seller).

Thanks again for all the help and it is greatly appreciated. I'll be sure to take pictures and post them in about a month when I start this project while on my leave.

 

[Clemsonfan15]

I would use Crutchfield for the HU and the speakers. They provide a bunch of extras such as a wiring harness, speaker brackets, and such things that do not come from other companies.

The reason I suggest using 1/0 gauge is because you would never have to upgrade again if you wanted to add more power. I would look at Kicker wiring or Knukonceptz.com.

 

[Methodical]

Cool! I have pretty much the same questions.

Are you going to install underseat?

 

[claytonb78]

Right now I am doing the research but underseat would be my first choice. I've seen some pretty cool installs in the trunk too but I really like the idea of hiding the amp out of the way. Bigger question is if I need a sub. I know almost everyone will say yes but I really hate the idea of throwing a box box in the back and adding a second amp. I know they make smaller systems, 5 channel amps, etc but still...I have always liked the lows out of my systems without amps. Thing is, if I install new speakers adn switch out the 6 x9s up front...I know I will lose my lows. any opinions? Can 6 1/2 woofers produce decent lows? Thank you.

 

[Clemsonfan15]

Don't put subs in if you don't want them. Easy as that. 6 1/2" can get pretty solid lows.

Check out caraudio.com and you will learn a TON of stuff. Use the search button over there. They can be pretty mean, but they also have a lot of good information.

 

[looksstock]

I upgraded my stock JBL 10 speaker system and bought many of my components from Sonicelectronix.com. Their prices were good and shipping was fast...and I even returned 1 item, (requested RMA 3 days after 14 day cut off) and they credited me no problem..minus 10% stocking fee I think.

Your sub needs are based on personal preference...my Kappa 6.1's were awesome, but the cr@ppy sub I had killed the music. Check out my other posts for pics on hidding the amp & sub.

Good luck and post pics when your done.