JBL Upgrade?

[szekany]

So, such as it is, my '98 4R's CD player is on the fritz and getting worse - it doesn't recognize some CDs, skips with others, etc. I use a USASpec iPod adapter about 75% of the time; but still, having a working CD player is useful.

Now, if I must replace the headunit anyway, I was considering "upgrading" to the analog JBL system - the two piece amp and headunit set.

So here's my first question: is the increase in sound quality worth it? If not, I won't even bother proceeding.

Second question: has anyone actually done this? Obviously the headunit and amp will fit, since the JBL is the same size as the non-JBL unit I have now. I'm mainly concerned about incompatible wiring harnesses.

Third question: does anyone know about the quality of the stock speakers in the '98 Limited? If I'm going to upgrade, is it worth it to upgrade the speakers at the same time?

Thanks for your help folks!

 

[Pyrohazard]

For as cheap as you can get good speakers, it is definitely worth replacing them. If you are going to do the install yourself, then you most likely will need to make a mounting bracket or by one. It is easy and cheap to make your own. (It took me 30 to do front and back.) Just make sure that you get three way speakers in the back so you still have the high end. Alpine makes extremely nice speakers.

 

[szekany]

I'm looking longingly at the Infinity Kappa Perfect 6.1 component system.

The only problem is they have a depth of 2 3/4", and the depth in the '98 4Runner is (according to Infinity) 2 1/2".

Does anyone out there have experience installing a "deeper" speaker like this in a 3rd gen?

 

[sketch1]

If you are only talking about a 1/4 inch of depth needed to install that speaker making a mounting bracket would be a good idea so you get a little bit of extra depth. Take a piece of wood or thick plastic around 1/4" thick and cut out a hole the size of the speaker. Then drill mounting holes to attach the speaker to it. Then remove the speaker and cut the outer edge of the material in a way that you can drill holes and mount the bracket you just made to the existing mounting holes in the door frame. That will raise the speaker up a little bit and give you the extra depth you need. Sorry if that is a little confusing, I am trying to keep myself from falling asleep right now.