Rear Sub Removal, Cutting The Plastic Grill?

[knightsfs4]

Feels good to be back, first post in quite some time!

I am going to be installing a new rear sub soon. I saw this on Youtube, and wanted to see if anyone else had done the same thing? I personally don't like cutting factory plastic, but honestly this just seems so easy...

4th Gen Toyota 4Runner JBL subwoofer replacement- the easy way. - YouTube

I'm on the fence. Tell me why I am dumb, or not :thumb3:

 

[Sean7]

I replaced my sub with the same one he is using and used his video for quick instructions. However, I chose not to cut the plastic grill and opted to do it the right way and take the whole panel off.

I understand why some people would want to cut it. But overall the whole job did not take me that long, less than an hour to do. If it was something that I had to deal with every month or couple month, I would consider cutting it. But since it's something you don't have to change often, I would just do it the right way and take the whole panel off. Just my opinion.

 

[Tironeous]

I also considered cutting it, but opted not to. It doesn't take long to replace plus you have better access by taking it all apart. I used this video for reference 2003 - 2009 Toyota 4Runner OEM Subwoofer Install / Replacement - YouTube

 

[ads2539]

I also removed everything when I replaced my factory sub. It wasn’t very hard to do, and I didn’t break anything.

 

[Drak]

I wouldn't have a problem just cutting out the grille if that's what you wanted to do.
He recommended CYA glue to re-install the grille which I would Not do.
I would find a more suitable adhesive myself...
I see CYA glue on a vertical surface as turning into a mess rather quickly.

But if you're hesitant simply because it's going into an unknown, I'll clear that up for you.

There are 5 screws to remove, then the rest pops off.
Two are 10mm hex head bolts from the top down in those little cubbyholes.
One is a 14mm bolt for the seat belt.
Then you have to pull the carpet back a few inches to expose two phillips head screws holding it to the floor.
If you look at my pic up close, you'll see two white square plastic pieces right in front of the wheel well on the floor.
Those are where the phillips head screws are located and they are under the carpet, which is why you have to pull the carpet away to get to them.

Then, the rest pops out.
The only difficulty, really, when re-installing, is the white plastic insert at the very front nose, in front of the seat belt bolt hole.
That's a bit difficult to get back in place with the seats already installed.
But not impossible, just slightly more difficult.

 

[Tironeous]

No matter the method, replacing the sub is very worthwhile. Mine was completely blown. You can see the tearing on the right side. I didn’t even replace it with something high-end. That’s an older Pioneer and it sounds great off of the factory amp.

 

[Drak]

No matter the method, replacing the sub is very worthwhile.
Mine was completely blown.

I certainly concur with that :rockon:.
Mine had no surround left nearly at all when I removed it.
I decided to upgrade to a 10" sub and re-purpose the JBL box for the new crossovers and amp.