Need Help/Advice on Speaker/Sub Mods

[TexasGirl]

Hi all! I'm a long time viewer of the forum and have found a lot of helpful info. Finally decided to join since I need some help. I am a female with quite a bit of common sense and some mechanical aptitude, however I am nowhere near the caliber that a lot of those I see on here are...so please take it easy on me!

First off, I am on my 2nd 4Runner. First one was a 2011 Limited 2wd...which I realized was a mistake and traded in for a 4wd 1.5 years later. Very happy with that decision. The one thing my first 4Runner had that this one doesn't...is the JBL system. While not top notch, the JBL was tolerable enough that I wasn't urged to change it out. However, the "stock" speakers that come with the new Entune system are awful and I can't take it anymore. I have several mods that I would like to do to my 4Runner, including:

-changing speakers, adding sub & amp
-adding leveling kit (spacers)
-new WIDER wheels and bigger tires

Therefore, I will be on here quite a bit to get advice. But for now, I am focused on upgrading the sound system.
The main thing is the sub. I would love to have it enclosed in the rear panel as my last 4Runner had with the JBL sub. I do not want to sacrifice cargo area as I do fold down the seats every now and then to actually utilize my vehicle, so I don't want a sub box in the way of this. I have researched the options quite a bit, and they appear to be:

1. Get a custom-built sub box integrated into the rear panel (quoted $500-750 just for box from local audio place)
2. Obtain a stock JBL enclosure and panel and switch the JBL sub/amp for a better one (not sure if an aftermarket amp would fit in stock enclosure, but that's not an issue as I can place it elsewhere). This option will be about $700 just for enclosure and new panel to accomodate enclosure.
3. Wait for JL Audio to come out with the Stealthbox Sub for 5th Gen 4Runner

I would love to go with option #3, so I contacted JL Audio earlier today to ask them if/when they will be coming out with the Stealthbox. Their reply was that they haven't had enough requests from JL dealers to build a Stealthbox for the 5th gen 4Runners. I was pretty surprised, as I see many on here talking about upgrading sound systems quite often and can't believe they haven't had more demand. The guy at JL's advice to me....was to spread the word and get more people to make requests for this box so that the demand is enough for them to make it. I can only do so much, so I joined their FB page and wrote a post.

So here is first where I need some help. If you are an owner of a 5th gen 4Runner and may even be mildly interested in a JL Audio Stealthbox Sub, PLEASE contact JL Audio in any way, shape or form to let them know so they will build the damn thing! Because unfortunately, I couldn't sweet-talk them into doing it just for me. Join their FB page, send them a message, email, whatever. Or even just a phonecall.

My next request is, can I please get some opinions/input on which sub option you all think is best? I am a little nervous about having an audio place tear apart my rear panel to put in a custom sub, but that is looking like the best option at this point. From what I've been told, if I get the stock enclosure and change out the sub, it will not work very well because (obviously) that enclosure was made for the JBL sub only, is plastic, etc. Yet, I have seen where some other members have done this with great results. Any takes on this?

Final question is....which would be recommended for replacements to the front, rear and rear liftgate speakers? The brands I am leaning towards are: JL Audio, Rockford Fosgate, Infinity and Focal. Focal and JL are the most expensive, but I would be open to any of these brands and while price isn't that big of a deal, I am not an audiophile snob who wants to spend $5k+ on this system. I just want a nice system....that's all.

I have been using Crutchfield to look at and help me decide on speakers...and the biggest problem I am having picking them out is that there are only a couple of speakers that are even showing they fit in the front doors which are Rockford 6 1/2" components...and only 5 1/4" speakers or 6 1/2" components showing for the rear and liftgate doors, yet the stock speakers are 6 1/2" coaxial in the rear doors and liftgate from what I understand. I am totally on board with putting 6 1/2" components in the front despite there being 6x9's there now. But I have no idea at this point what speakers WILL actually work in ANY of the doors. My local audio place that I plan to use said not to worry what Crutchfield says will work, but I don't want them to have tear off all my panels just to see what will work. I would like the option to buy the speakers myself knowing what will work, then have them install them. Can someone who has changed out the speakers PLEASE let me know what you put in so I can get some ideas on what actually works? And please, opinions on which speakers you all prefer would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you all in advance!! PLEASE help!!

 

[Bay33saw]

That is a great 1st post. I wish I could help you, but I know nothing about sound systems, however there are plenty on here that do....Just wait and you will see.

OH welcome to the forum

 

[FactoryRide]

What type of music do you mostly listen to? I assume you're not wanting ground shaking based on wanting to keep the cargo area.

I probably wouldn't go the JBL enclosure route. The price tag on that is ridiculous just to pay for OEM. I'd look into a custom box molded in that area. It'll get pricey, but I wouldn't cheap out on the installer and box builder. Sound of the sub is just as much the box as it is the speaker.

As for recommendations, I would look into the JL 10w3 or 8w3 in a sealed box. It'll give ya nice little punch while keeping tone.

ChipG made a killer box. Here's the link: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/audio-electronics/111036-5th-gen-sub-cabinet-2.html

 

[TexasGirl]

@ Bay33saw, thanks for the welcome and compliment about my post. I was thinking it was a lil too long, but I needed to include all the details so it would be understood. Hope it's not boring everyone lol!

@ FactoryRide, thanks for the input! I mostly listen to classic rock so I just want a good punch, like you said. No, I don't want or expect to get any window-rattling bass. One good sub is all I want....preferably a 10 but will go with an 8 if necessary. Those subs you mentioned are some of the exact ones I've been looking at. I have heard many good things about JL Audio subs recently and have experience with them in the past, so I'm strongly leaning towards JL. My next choice would probably be Rockford.

I agree, it is very steep just to get the factory sub enclosure. And the price I mentioned is ordering it online which is cheaper than ordering thru my local dealer. The one thing I have seen that inclined me to consider doing the factory sub enclosure is that I saw on here where Ark Swamp Rider did it on a 4th gen and appears to have gotten great results. It looks as though he already had the JBL enclosure, so just worked with what he already had.
Here is the link: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/62400-replaced-jbl-sub-added-amp-install-pics-info.html

My prospective installer claims this is not a good idea acoustically, and it's actually not any cheaper than doing a custom box, but the one reason I would be interested in doing it is because it is completely contained in the panel, doesn't stick out at all and should be a perfect fit.

Thanks for the link to ChipG's box, I actually have seen that and thought it was very nice, just bigger than I am wanting and I also don't want to have to lose or relocate the power connections that are located in that rear panel hump (terminology?).

Here is another similar one I was looking at, just once again it is larger than I am wanting and appears to cover the power connections: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/68592-new-stereo.html
I really want it to be as contained in the panel as possible, just don't know how it's going to come out until it's done. I wish I could find someone on here who has done it inside the panel. Wow, if only JL would come out with a Stealthbox for it....

Thanks again for the input and please let me know if you think of anything further!

 

[Hawaiian4runner]

Best sounding and easiest option is to get a sealed box 10" sub. I know you don't want to lose space in the back but this is the simple solution. Otherwise the stock JBL Premium box is OK if you can find a salvaged one. New is way to expensive for a plastic box. My audiophile installer was pleasantly surprised with the JBL box and since we weren't going for earth shaking bass, it was more than adequate. First tried an 8 inch W3 JL sub and it sounded good with adequate deep bass. Then put in an Alumapro 8 inch and it sounded amazing but did not have the low end of the JL. I kept the Alumapro. The upper bass (where it blends with the front door speakers) is magical and was too good to let go. I may still add another sub for deep bass but I don't listen to hip-hop anyway so except for impressing the kids, probably won't even turn it up.

 

[NorthWest 4R]

For a small sub that takes less space, I will recommend one sundown audio SA8 .v2. No one will ever believe you that it is just one 8" sub, I am MORE than happy :music:.

 

[FactoryRide]

@ Bay33saw, thanks for the welcome and compliment about my post. I was thinking it was a lil too long, but I needed to include all the details so it would be understood. Hope it's not boring everyone lol!

@ FactoryRide, thanks for the input! I mostly listen to classic rock so I just want a good punch, like you said. No, I don't want or expect to get any window-rattling bass. One good sub is all I want....preferably a 10 but will go with an 8 if necessary. Those subs you mentioned are some of the exact ones I've been looking at. I have heard many good things about JL Audio subs recently and have experience with them in the past, so I'm strongly leaning towards JL. My next choice would probably be Rockford.

I've had some good luck with rockford, but I do like their amps more then their subs. Check out Arc Audio also. They make some good stuff.

I agree, it is very steep just to get the factory sub enclosure. And the price I mentioned is ordering it online which is cheaper than ordering thru my local dealer. The one thing I have seen that inclined me to consider doing the factory sub enclosure is that I saw on here where Ark Swamp Rider did it on a 4th gen and appears to have gotten great results. It looks as though he already had the JBL enclosure, so just worked with what he already had.
Here is the link: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/62400-replaced-jbl-sub-added-amp-install-pics-info.html

If you are set on a JBL box, try and find a salvage yard with a 2010+ 4runner in there and see if you can get it out that. Another option would be to look into auctions of wrecked 4runners. I saw a website posted awhile back, and it was possible to get totaled 4runners for like $600 if you got lucky with your bid. I almost bought one to pull parts off of it that I wanted (leather seats, tail lights, and motor) and planned to sell the rest of it.

My prospective installer claims this is not a good idea acoustically, and it's actually not any cheaper than doing a custom box, but the one reason I would be interested in doing it is because it is completely contained in the panel, doesn't stick out at all and should be a perfect fit.

Thanks for the link to ChipG's box, I actually have seen that and thought it was very nice, just bigger than I am wanting and I also don't want to have to lose or relocate the power connections that are located in that rear panel hump (terminology?).

Talk to your installer and see if it would be possible for him to mold in a box over the hump with fiberglass. That could be an idea to kick around.

Here is another similar one I was looking at, just once again it is larger than I am wanting and appears to cover the power connections: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/68592-new-stereo.html
I really want it to be as contained in the panel as possible, just don't know how it's going to come out until it's done. I wish I could find someone on here who has done it inside the panel. Wow, if only JL would come out with a Stealthbox for it....

Thanks again for the input and please let me know if you think of anything further!

Good luck with your decision and post pics when it's all said and done with. WELCOME TO THE FORUM BY THE WAY!! :welcome:

For a small sub that takes less space, I will recommend one sundown audio SA8 .v2. No one will ever believe you that it is just one 8" sub, I am MORE than happy :music:.

Holy Magnet!! That sub resembles the Powerbass 3XL's I had in the runner for a brief period of time.

 

[NorthWest 4R]

Holy Magnet!! That sub resembles the Powerbass 3XL's I had in the runner for a brief period of time.

First time using a Sundown Audio product, I am pretty amazed by it I must say. Just one 8" tuned to 32hz pushing 1800 watts to it, leaves most jaws drop when they see it is only one 8".

 

[Sound Auto]

You had mentioned looking at Focal speakers. My shop uses the Focal IS200 8" separates in front of Toyota trucks all the time. There is no cutting needed and the mid bass drivers fit behind factory grills. Match them up with IC165 in the rear door & hatch locations and you with have great sound on a fairly modest budget. I got the same answer from JL about the stealthbox. Was the 600-700 for the custom enclosure including a woofer? If so, what woofer?
With a JBL system we would use a processor with signal summing to handle converting the audio information to something an aftermarket amp will like. Check out Mosoni's 6to8.
Good luck with your upgrades. I will try to post pictures of the 8" mid bass install in Toyota trucks.

 

[rigtec]

"...I have several mods that I would like to do to my 4Runner, including: changing speakers, adding sub & amp..."

Hi TexasGirl,

First, let me say, Welcome to the forum!! Have you considered "portable, Bass reflex subs"?

I'm a "Funk/jazz" recording bass player from N.J., and have been playing since the early 70's. Because of this, the bass has to sound...RIGHT.

"Pro-sound Audio" has became one of my hobbies, as a result of my quest to get the Sound RIGHT on stage. I noticed a big difference in sound quality between the bass guitar amps that were available, and the P.A. sound equipment, that used to fill those clubs/concert halls with sound back in my "Glory days". So sound reproduction is like, ultra important to me; particularly in the low register.

I bought my 4Runner "Limited" on April 18, 2012. It was a special order because of it's "Blizzard Pearl" color; that I just had to have. And when It arrived (on 4/21), the first thing that I did was to take it straight to the mobile audio shop near my home, and ordered my amp & sub.

Now like you, I didn't want to take up cargo space just to haul my subs around. But then I started thinking, do I really want to compromise my listening pleasure, considering how very important it is, to be able to listen to my music up Loud, and clear when ever I want to; sooo many restrictions living in an apartment. :ballchain:

Here was another important, not too well known fact about sub-woofers.
The term "Sub/woofer", in the pro audio industry, means just that...sub, meaning below; as in below/underneath the bass. A true subwoofer's job is to reproduce the sounds(jet planes, explosions, earthquakes), that are Below the bass instrument(s).

If you were to listen to a bass player's lines (think about "James Jamerson's historical roll behind e.g, "The Supreme's"-Ain't no mountain enough), the lines are musical...you can actually sing or harmonize along with the bass (what you're hearing 'bass wise', is "Midbass", maybe 150-200hz and upward for it to sound musical; the fundamentals are much lower).

But Sub bass is not heard, as much as it is felt; we're talking 80hz and downward(to maybe 30hz). Unfortunately, physics are not on our side wrt sound reproduction; so the laws of physics insist that a great deal of air be moved, to get deep, powerful bass from our speakers, and that requires the speaker boxes to be rather large to do that.

Door speakers are okay (imho) for a moderate, smooth sounding "Midbass". But the area inside of the doors is inadequate to support true sub-bass drivers, or the pure energy that they generate. Additionally, the metal frame/supports inside the doors will resonate, causing "Phase cancellation", intermodulation distortion, energy loss, and background noises.

So I chose to bite the bullet, and put in a sub that can be moved in and out as needed. First, I put in a, "JL Audio" CVS-RG110" with a JL Audio, "HD750/1" mono-block 750 watt amplifier; sounded great, very deep and powerful.

But then it started, I wanted another one! So I treated myself to another. That was great too! But then I got CRAZY! I ordered a new, two 10" sub-woofer (empty) box. Designed specifically for the JL Audio drivers that I already have, the (2), "10W6v2" in my existing subs. It's really big, but it sounds wicked, and I can just take it out and leave it home, if I need the space.

"Check out my photo album to see the sub equipment photos!!!"

Opps, sorry TexasGirl, Didn't mean to rant! What I meant to tell you is that the mobile audio shop that I use, will fabricate a "StealthBox", with JL Audio drivers of any proper choice; wonder if all "authorized JLA dealers" can do that?! If that is something that you are interested in doing, then maybe you could 'search' for JL's authorized dealers in your area.

If that's not an option for you, than perhaps you could arrange to have my guy in N.J., where I live, build you a "StealthBox". He can take the measurements from my truck, no problem; the shipping/payment arrangements, I'll leave between you and them; my contact info is available through this forum.

Before you do that though, you might consider using a removable Bass reflex sub; they can go lower than a sealed sub, but requiring only half the space at that same frequency. It will be much cheeper than fabricating a customized sub.

Good luck and best regards, again...:welcome:

rigtec

 

[TexasGirl]

Best sounding and easiest option is to get a sealed box 10" sub. I know you don't want to lose space in the back but this is the simple solution. Otherwise the stock JBL Premium box is OK if you can find a salvaged one. New is way to expensive for a plastic box. My audiophile installer was pleasantly surprised with the JBL box and since we weren't going for earth shaking bass, it was more than adequate. First tried an 8 inch W3 JL sub and it sounded good with adequate deep bass. Then put in an Alumapro 8 inch and it sounded amazing but did not have the low end of the JL. I kept the Alumapro. The upper bass (where it blends with the front door speakers) is magical and was too good to let go. I may still add another sub for deep bass but I don't listen to hip-hop anyway so except for impressing the kids, probably won't even turn it up.

@ Hawaiian4runner, I would love to find a cheap, used or salvaged JBL box....but I have a feeling I will be waiting a long time for that. There aren't many (if any) "totaled" 4Runners popping up in my area as it's not a huge city, and even less chance it would be one that had JBL. I have searched on Ebay, this forum and even just googled many times with no luck...and it's not something I want or have time to do every single day in order to get one. Thanks for the opinions, I have not heard much about Alumapro but will look into it! There are really so many good speaker options that there are almost too many to choose from. You are right about the easy option being to just get a box...and believe me, I am strongly considering it. Just don't want to have to take it out if I ever go on a trip with a lot of cargo and need the space. Trips are one of the main places where I wanna hear my jams! Lol. And no hip-hop for me either, I'm a rocker who just likes to jam and appreciate it sounding good! Thanks again!

 

[TexasGirl]

For a small sub that takes less space, I will recommend one sundown audio SA8 .v2. No one will ever believe you that it is just one 8" sub, I am MORE than happy :music:.

@ NorthWest 4R, thanks for the recommendation...I will look into those subs. Have not heard of them, but like I said in my first post...I am not an advanced audiophile or anything...just heard of all the common brands. Just recently discovered Focal and Arc Audio, had not ever heard of them before recently. But then again, have not shopped for speakers in MANY years since all of my vehicles have come with decent systems until now. I guess there are many higher-end speaker brands I don't know about, but I almost don't wanna know cause then it will just create more decisions to be made. I will definitely look into the sundown sub though, figuring out how/where to put it in is the only problem. Wish I could just cut a freakin hole in the panel and put it there since this has gotten so complicated (story of my life), but I know that wouldn't do any sub justice.

Good luck with your decision and post pics when it's all said and done with. WELCOME TO THE FORUM BY THE WAY!! :welcome:


@ FactoryRide, thanks again! Will definitely post pics once I finally make a decision. Funny, JL has a Stealthbox for ALL of the other recent-model Toyota vehicles but NOT the 4Runner. Seems like things like this always have to be complicated for me. But hopefully my obstacles can help someone else out, so I will definitely post pics/info of whatever I decide to do.

BTW, can someone please advise me on how to post a reply with multiple quotes from difference posts? I hit the button to do so, but it's only showing quotes from one post at a time, if that makes sense. I am doing it here the hard way by having two tabs up...has to be an easier way though. Thanks guys!

You had mentioned looking at Focal speakers. My shop uses the Focal IS200 8" separates in front of Toyota trucks all the time. There is no cutting needed and the mid bass drivers fit behind factory grills. Match them up with IC165 in the rear door & hatch locations and you with have great sound on a fairly modest budget. I got the same answer from JL about the stealthbox. Was the 600-700 for the custom enclosure including a woofer? If so, what woofer?
With a JBL system we would use a processor with signal summing to handle converting the audio information to something an aftermarket amp will like. Check out Mosoni's 6to8.
Good luck with your upgrades. I will try to post pictures of the 8" mid bass install in Toyota trucks.

@ Sound Auto, that is actually quite a good recommendation and I might just do that either way. I looked up those 8" Focals and they look good and don't seem to be priced any higher than the 6 1/2 components.

As far as having the bass up front, here's the thing though....we like to tailgate and do so every now and then. It's one of the main reasons I got a 4Runner and 4x4. To go to the beach, river, lake, etc and tailgate. Did it in the past with my 1st 4Runner and it is quite a good design with the dual 6 1/2's in the rear liftgate along with a sub back there. THIS is the main reason I want the sub back there. I know that bass isn't necessarily directional in the way it resonates, but I would like the source of bass to be somewhere near the rear liftgate so that it all flows nicely and strongly. Plus, when tailgating I usually don't leave the front doors open...just the rear liftgate ("party mode LOL"). So in any case, I do want a sub somewhere in the rear of the Runner.

When you say that your shop installs those Focals in the front of Toyota trucks, I assume you're referring to the 4Runner as well? Just want to be absolutely sure in case I do decide to go with those up front either way and want to order them. From what I've been told, the frequecies produced by 6 1/2" components are the "way to go" in the front doors (I was talked out of going with 6x9's, which is what is there now), however I always believe bigger is better and if I can do 8" components in the front, why not? And I believe you said the Focal IC165's will fit in the rear doors and rear liftgate...is that correct? I was actually considering those exact speakers after hearing them at a local shop...I was impressed. The shop I plan to use only sells JL Audio though, but will install whatever I want of course. This is why I'm mentioning ordering speakers.

Oh, and the $500-750 I was quoted for the sub enclosure is JUST for the enclosure, prior to a sub hwell:. I am strongly leaning towards JL Audio because I know they are great subs, plus the shop I'm planning to use is a JL dealer. But I am open to other brands, there are just so many to choose from it's actually overwhelming. I don't want to start looking at too many other brands and make the situation even more complicated.

If you could post pics of the 8" speakers installed as you mentioned, that would be great! Thank you so much!

 

[TexasGirl]

Hi TexasGirl,

First, let me say, Welcome to the forum!! Have you considered "portable, Bass reflex subs"?

I'm a "Funk/jazz" recording bass player from N.J., and have been playing since the early 70's. Because of this, the bass has to sound...RIGHT.

"Pro-sound Audio" has became one of my hobbies, as a result of my quest to get the Sound RIGHT on stage. I noticed a big difference in sound quality between the bass guitar amps that were available, and the P.A. sound equipment, that used to fill those clubs/concert halls with sound back in my "Glory days". So sound reproduction is like, ultra important to me; particularly in the low register.

I bought my 4Runner "Limited" on April 18, 2012. It was a special order because of it's "Blizzard Pearl" color; that I just had to have. And when It arrived (on 4/21), the first thing that I did was to take it straight to the mobile audio shop near my home, and ordered my amp & sub.

Now like you, I didn't want to take up cargo space just to haul my subs around. But then I started thinking, do I really want to compromise my listening pleasure, considering how very important it is, to be able to listen to my music up Loud, and clear when ever I want to; sooo many restrictions living in an apartment. :ballchain:

Here was another important, not too well known fact about sub-woofers.
The term "Sub/woofer", in the pro audio industry, means just that...sub, meaning below; as in below/underneath the bass. A true subwoofer's job is to reproduce the sounds(jet planes, explosions, earthquakes), that are Below the bass instrument(s).

If you were to listen to a bass player's lines (think about "James Jamerson's historical roll behind e.g, "The Supreme's"-Ain't no mountain enough), the lines are musical...you can actually sing or harmonize along with the bass (what you're hearing 'bass wise', is "Midbass", maybe 150-200hz and upward for it to sound musical; the fundamentals are much lower).

But Sub bass is not heard, as much as it is felt; we're talking 80hz and downward(to maybe 30hz). Unfortunately, physics are not on our side wrt sound reproduction; so the laws of physics insist that a great deal of air be moved, to get deep, powerful bass from our speakers, and that requires the speaker boxes to be rather large to do that.

Door speakers are okay (imho) for a moderate, smooth sounding "Midbass". But the area inside of the doors is inadequate to support true sub-bass drivers, or the pure energy that they generate. Additionally, the metal frame/supports inside the doors will resonate, causing "Phase cancellation", intermodulation distortion, energy loss, and background noises.

So I chose to bite the bullet, and put in a sub that can be moved in and out as needed. First, I put in a, "JL Audio" CVS-RG110" with a JL Audio, "HD750/1" mono-block 750 watt amplifier; sounded great, very deep and powerful.

But then it started, I wanted another one! So I treated myself to another. That was great too! But then I got CRAZY! I ordered a new, two 10" sub-woofer (empty) box. Designed specifically for the JL Audio drivers that I already have, the (2), "10W6v2" in my existing subs. It's really big, but it sounds wicked, and I can just take it out and leave it home, if I need the space.

"Check out my photo album to see the sub equipment photos!!!"

Opps, sorry TexasGirl, Didn't mean to rant! What I meant to tell you is that the mobile audio shop that I use, will fabricate a "StealthBox", with JL Audio drivers of any proper choice; wonder if all "authorized JLA dealers" can do that?! If that is something that you are interested in doing, then maybe you could 'search' for JL's authorized dealers in your area.

If that's not an option for you, than perhaps you could arrange to have my guy in N.J., where I live, build you a "StealthBox". He can take the measurements from my truck, no problem; the shipping/payment arrangements, I'll leave between you and them; my contact info is available through this forum.

Before you do that though, you might consider using a removable Bass reflex sub; they can go lower than a sealed sub, but requiring only half the space at that same frequency. It will be much cheeper than fabricating a customized sub.

Good luck and best regards, again...:welcome:

rigtec

@ rigtec, thanks for the reply and the detailed info about subs/bass! I do understand the "jest" of how bass & subs work and that the bigger the box, the better. I know that is also why back in the day (and I suppose even today) you can mount 6x9's in the panel behind the seats of cars and the trunk acts as a "box" for the speakers so they sound pretty good for 6x9's (or any speakers).

Anyhow, I have been and still am considering just a regular box/sub enclosure...I assume that's what you mean by "portable, Bass reflex subs"? However, as I mentioned in an earlier post...I do utilize my vehicle and when going on trips, I tend to pack a lot of stuff in depending on the destination, so the LAST thing I wanna do is have to take out my wonderful subs while on a trip....which is one of the main situations where I specifically WANT to be able to jam out. So, if I get an enclosure, it's going to have to be a rather small one. But that is still not what I really WANT. If space and folding down seats wasn't an issue, I'd have dual 10" subs in a good sized box in a heartbeat, but unfortunately....it is an issue. I know that a custom enclosure can be done large enough to produce a sufficient amount of bass from a good sub. I'm not worried about that as much as the cost and whether it will come out the way I want it...which is pretty contained in the panel and not "blocking" any power outlets, tie down access, etc.

The audio installer I plan to use is an authorized JL Audio dealer, and the 1st thing they did was double check if JL had come out with a Stealthbox when I went to them...of course, I already knew the answer to that...no! Since what I was asking for was to build a custom sub enclosure INTO the panel and have it integrated there, we didn't really kick around the idea of building the equivalent of a Stealthbox. I realize on the past 4Runners, the Stealthboxes have been designed to rest over the hump. If they did a similar design on the current 4Runners, that would pose the problem I am concerned about...blocking those power outlets, tie downs, etc...and just being rather bulky. SO, my hope was that if JL came out with one for the current model Runners, it would be a better design that didn't do this. Therefore, if I had the shop "duplicate" a Stealthbox, I'm not exactly sure which Stealthbox they would duplicate...know what I mean? There isn't really an "ideal" Stealthbox design in existence for the current model 4Runner.

Anyhow, thank you so much for the offer of having your dealer do it. If I didn't have my local JL dealer who I am actually preferring dealing with over other dealers so far, I would definitely take you up on that offer! However, I am pretty confident that they could do a good job for me...it's just that I don't have an "exact" picture or design to show them what I want the finished product to look like. I can describe it, but no pics since noone seems to have done it exactly the way I am wanting to do it on a 5th gen.

BTW, that's awesome you are funk/jazz bass player. I am a rocker :rockon: (classic rock & hair metal) but I like me some good funk and blues as well. Being from the south, I like good mixes of rock/blues...such as Johnny Winter.

Thanks again and please let me know if you come up with anything further, and I will definitely keep everyone posted on what I decide to do.

And if anyone else has any great ideas, please shoot!!

 

[rigtec]

Hi again T/g

And thx for your generously detailed reply. I know in time, you'll find the "Perfect" amp/sub combination too! Btw, I love Rock & Blues as well!

Cheers, and best regards, rigtec