aaronfro17
New member
Haha. I hear ya.
Replaced JBL Sub/Added Amp: Install Pics/Info
- Thread starter ARK_SWAMP_RIDER
- Start date
Patrick A
New member
Thanks for the thread guys. I just got and 03 with the JBL set up early this year, and a few months back the sub died right off the bat. I've never been one to need a crazy custom sound set up with big honkin subwoofers, but I can be a bass junkie and definitely missed it.
Anyway, I decided to go for the same set up potency95 configured, which I'm totally taken with now that it's installed. I didn't want to mess with replacing the head unit, (fan of the stock look) and didn't want to lose cargo space on a sub or spend the time and money to wire a new amp as well. Definitely a stock upgrade. Didn't need to do any tweaking, and the scariest part for me was when I ran into the plug-in wiring that was there for the stock sub. Apparently all I needed to do was cut and strip the wires and it was plug and play. I also did not have to break off the ribbing behind the sub enclosure. I just used a 1x6" piece of pine to build a spacer spool with a jigsaw and drill, and secured that to the existing bolt configuration in the encasement and then secure the new sub to that with the new drilling pattern. I attached pics. Couldn't have done it without this thread, thanks everyone!
Anyway, I decided to go for the same set up potency95 configured, which I'm totally taken with now that it's installed. I didn't want to mess with replacing the head unit, (fan of the stock look) and didn't want to lose cargo space on a sub or spend the time and money to wire a new amp as well. Definitely a stock upgrade. Didn't need to do any tweaking, and the scariest part for me was when I ran into the plug-in wiring that was there for the stock sub. Apparently all I needed to do was cut and strip the wires and it was plug and play. I also did not have to break off the ribbing behind the sub enclosure. I just used a 1x6" piece of pine to build a spacer spool with a jigsaw and drill, and secured that to the existing bolt configuration in the encasement and then secure the new sub to that with the new drilling pattern. I attached pics. Couldn't have done it without this thread, thanks everyone!
Attachments
Nice! cant beat that for $100 can yah!
britton406
New member
I'm having the same problem.. I just need the sub enclosure!! I believe I saw a thread where someone used the none jbl trim, there was some minor fabrication though. I'll see if I can find it
caj4au
New member
The red one to the rear 12v is the correct one that is hot. I just did this yesterday in my 08.
Make sure where ever you have the amp grounded that you have either sanded down or filed down to bare metal for the best grounding
S p a r k y
New member
First, this sounds SCARY lol.. Which amp won't turn on? Factory or aftermarket? If after market, do you have all 3 power wires hooked up? 12v/remote/ground? You need to test wires before you just go hooking up. Atleast that is smarter. Give more info please.
So I set everything and put on one of my favorites... and I can say the bass is any better then before...
So after some thought, 2 things could possibly be changed to achieve better performance. I ran 18g wire from the amp to the sub... maybe larger?
Second, I tied my high level inputs (passenger side only) into the speaker wire for the rear door. I used a three-way with a little steel clip that you crimp down. Maybe tie-in somewhere else? Solder the connection for better signal?
Maybe someone else has some idea?
Again thanks for any input!
So after some thought, 2 things could possibly be changed to achieve better performance. I ran 18g wire from the amp to the sub... maybe larger?
Second, I tied my high level inputs (passenger side only) into the speaker wire for the rear door. I used a three-way with a little steel clip that you crimp down. Maybe tie-in somewhere else? Solder the connection for better signal?
Maybe someone else has some idea?
Again thanks for any input!
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Even though I seem to be talking to myself, I will update.
18g Wire seems to be fine, as the main problem was that I tied into a speaker feed after the amp... it had all the low end stripped out of it! After tying into the old sub feed, BOOM! Wow... worth all the work! If anything, the jl8w3v3 is almost to much for this setup. Tuned down a little bit and it sounds great. Thanks for all the help everyone!
18g Wire seems to be fine, as the main problem was that I tied into a speaker feed after the amp... it had all the low end stripped out of it! After tying into the old sub feed, BOOM! Wow... worth all the work! If anything, the jl8w3v3 is almost to much for this setup. Tuned down a little bit and it sounds great. Thanks for all the help everyone!
caj4au
New member
8w3
Can you post any pics and with the 8w3, did you have any issues with the clearance on the panel grill or did you have to modify it as well? thanks
Can you post any pics and with the 8w3, did you have any issues with the clearance on the panel grill or did you have to modify it as well? thanks
ARK_SWAMP_RIDER
New member
sorry, I must have missed your post. Anyway, glad you were able to get it fixed.
Sure did. Just used a router and cut it out. Put a JL sub cover on and it looks great. Ill try to remember a pic or 2 and ill post them soon.
Ark, you made this all possible! Don't be sorry!
CrimsonCountry
New member
Were you ever able to get any pictures of the 8W3 install? I'm interested to see how you made it fit with its larger mounting depth.
You guys are inspiring.
I just paid Custom Sounds in Austin to do mine.
I have a little older Pioneer HU - good for it's time but may replace in future.
I went with Hertz ESK and ECX 165 separates, 12" Thin Mount Fosgate Sub with basic box, and Alpine PDX-M6 amp (under driver's seat).
Hush mats in the doors.
I have to say, I still need to do a little work dialing in the settings, but all in all it freakin' bumps nice and clean. One of my favorite features is the separate gain knob mounted in the little compartment just left of the shift knob. That allows me to adjust the sub just where I need it depending on the track.
Edit: Pic Added - Not the most stealth install but with shallow sub, it's not much in the way, and the sub can be easily removed if I have tons of cargo. Now I have Weathertech cargo mat and two straps holding it in place. CD covers included for reference of depth when I took the pics for a friend considering 4runner system.
I just paid Custom Sounds in Austin to do mine.
I have a little older Pioneer HU - good for it's time but may replace in future.
I went with Hertz ESK and ECX 165 separates, 12" Thin Mount Fosgate Sub with basic box, and Alpine PDX-M6 amp (under driver's seat).
Hush mats in the doors.
I have to say, I still need to do a little work dialing in the settings, but all in all it freakin' bumps nice and clean. One of my favorite features is the separate gain knob mounted in the little compartment just left of the shift knob. That allows me to adjust the sub just where I need it depending on the track.
Edit: Pic Added - Not the most stealth install but with shallow sub, it's not much in the way, and the sub can be easily removed if I have tons of cargo. Now I have Weathertech cargo mat and two straps holding it in place. CD covers included for reference of depth when I took the pics for a friend considering 4runner system.
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sevoflurane
New member
Just want to give thanks to ARK and all the contributors to this thread. :thumb3:
Here is my review.
Sound: It’s all you need to pair up with the existing system. You do need to tweak your settings a little on your eq. to get it tuned right. I’ve also got my sensitivity and base boost up all the way and I can control it via the RBC-1 remote sub controller. All in all, a great investment and upgrade in sound. The speaker can handle the amp and vice versa. Good match. I never needed dynamat or anything else to dampen out rattles as I had none.
Fit: Excellent. 100% completely stealth which is nice/takes up zero space. (especially important to those who keep your big dogs in the back)
Overall, I’d rate this a 10/10 upgrade, especially considering investment costs.
Cheers.
IMG_2717 by Crazyhorse75, on Flickr
IMG_2716 by Crazyhorse75, on Flickr
IMG_2713 by Crazyhorse75, on Flickr
IMG_2714 by Crazyhorse75, on Flickr
IMG_2715 by Crazyhorse75, on Flickr
Here is my review.
Sound: It’s all you need to pair up with the existing system. You do need to tweak your settings a little on your eq. to get it tuned right. I’ve also got my sensitivity and base boost up all the way and I can control it via the RBC-1 remote sub controller. All in all, a great investment and upgrade in sound. The speaker can handle the amp and vice versa. Good match. I never needed dynamat or anything else to dampen out rattles as I had none.
Fit: Excellent. 100% completely stealth which is nice/takes up zero space. (especially important to those who keep your big dogs in the back)
Overall, I’d rate this a 10/10 upgrade, especially considering investment costs.
Cheers.
IMG_2717 by Crazyhorse75, on Flickr
IMG_2716 by Crazyhorse75, on Flickr
IMG_2713 by Crazyhorse75, on Flickr
IMG_2714 by Crazyhorse75, on Flickr
IMG_2715 by Crazyhorse75, on Flickr
sevoflurane
New member
Oh... and I used the JL Jx 250 vs the J2 250.
Hits hard and clean... although I bet there is little difference between both amps (JX is the newer version).
Hits hard and clean... although I bet there is little difference between both amps (JX is the newer version).
97BlackAckCL
Elite Member
Love what you did with the bass knob, I may copy that. I just bought the same amp a couple weeks ago 
97BlackAckCL
Elite Member
Big shout out to Ark for this thread, it was a big help in doing my own JL 8" sub and amp in my SR5, with my own touches of course.
More info on my build here
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/110628-out-old-new-er-2.html
More info on my build here
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/110628-out-old-new-er-2.html
