Question about installing amps - wiring

[rdrunner]

I'm ready to hook up amps in my 4runner now but have never done it. I plan on running 4 gauge to the back of the vehicle and then splitting into two 8 gauge wires for the two amps. Does it matter which side of the vehicle I run the power down? Also, do I run my RCA and speaker wires down the same side or do I need to run them down the opposite side? I just want to make sure I don't end up getting noise and hum after doing it.

Thanks!

-Rob

 

[JAC]

I will be trying to do this myself soon....just waiting for my new HU to arrive.

I found this short video which seems to be very helpfull.

YouTube - How To Install A Car Amplifier- Courtesy of Crutchfield

 

[CajunRunner]

Doesn't matter which side you run the power down, but you definitely want to run your pre-amp interconnects down the middle or opposite side to minimize the chance for noise.

 

[rdrunner]

Great, thanks for the info and the video. Down the middle sounds a little tricky if you're not putting the amps under the seats, which I'm not. I'll have to look at that again to see how difficult it will be to go under the carpet in the back seat I guess.

-Rob

 

[li_runner]

You’re lucky, the 4Runner is one of the easiest vehicles to wire. There is plenty of room in the stock wiring channels to run a lot of wire. The "ideal" way is to separate power wiring from speaker level wiring. In our trucks the easiest way is to run the wiring down the driver’s side where the battery is, and the RCA's down the passenger side.

You will want to think ahead and purchase what is needed ahead of time. Get a distribution block to split the 4 gauge to 8 gauge. I myself like the stinger circuit breaker vs fuses I have never had an issue with it and you don't have to worry about not having a fuse at the wrong time. You will also find it's a lot easier to use non-crimp terminals for 4 gauge. Trying to crimp 4 gauge wire usally ends up with a glance at a hammer if you don't have a big clamp. I used streetwires connections through-out my wiring and they are made very well & reasonable. Thinking ahead avoids the head scratching moments when you have to get inventive (though I'm sure that will happen no matter how much you plan).

To avoid ground loop hum ground the amps in a single point, either use another distrobution block for ground or join the wires all in the same point. I know I had a grin ear to ear after finishing this job:

 

[propman07]

threadjack...

Pete-

Your install is REALLY nice....looks like you've got the Alpine PDX-5, correct? I've got one of those on order, and when it gets here, I'm going to have it run the front, rear, and a sub.

Quick question on wiring: I have some left over monoprice speaker wire (16g, 65 wire strand count, outer jacket white, inner jackets are black and red) that I was going to use to wire the speakers. Do you see any problem with that? I also have some old RCA red/white cables that I was going to use for interconnects between the HU and the amp. See any problem with using those as well?

My plan is to install the amp under the passenger seat, and put the sub in an enclosure for now. Later on, I'm planning on building a fiberglass enclosure to fit where you currently have your amps installed. Trying to keep the OEM look and being able to use the double decker shelf system in the back of the 4Runner.

Thanks.

/threadjack

 

[rdrunner]

You’re lucky, the 4Runner is one of the easiest vehicles to wire.

Nice install! I plan on hiding my mono amp behind there since it's a D-class but my 4-channel will have to be in the cargo area I'm afraid. It's much bigger and is A-B. Thanks for the tips.

Anyone have any advice on how to get remove the panel to get to the JBL sub to start removing it? It looks like I can just pry it with a screwdriver but I don't want to make a mess of the panels and when I tried before it didn't seem to want to give.