Replaced JBL Sub/Added Amp: Install Pics/Info

[S p a r k y]

Would it be easy / do-able to remove the factory 8" enclosure and build a custom enclosure that would fit a 10w3 ??

"Easy" is a difficult word to say with this. If you build custom enclosures and do this alot, sure i guess it would be "easy".. If you have never built custom boxes, dont have alot of time and tools, I doubt this would be easy..

I'm not so sure there is alot of room to build a custom box behind the stock plastic, matter of fact i doubt there is enough.

You would be surprised how good the 8 sounds.

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

I agree with sparky, but want to add one thing. Even with a 10, you are still very limited by the room for the box. The first limiting factor is mounting depth, that would still be an issue. Unless you go custom fiberglass for the box, the box is going to be bigger (thicker) than stock. The second factor is volume. There's just not enough room there to do a good sub justice. The 8's work much better in these smaller enclosures. That said, I'll have to dig it up, but there was a member who did a custom fiberglass box there and either a 10" or 12" sub. I believe he also mounted his amp in place of the factory. The setup I went with is absolutely the best bang for the buck. There are better out there, but for the money/effort invested this setup can't be beat (utilizing the stock location, you could if you wanted a box in the cargo area).

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Well, I can't find the thread I was looking for (or if I did all pics had been removed). I did find several other ideas. This first one is what I had in mind if you want something bigger than the 8" sub, but is far from "easy" in my book.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/audio-electronics/9451-custom-sound-system-install.html
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/audio-electronics/22803-completely-new-audio-setup-progress.html
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/audio-electronics/73638-my-stealth-subwoofer-box.html
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/audio-electronics/25573-built-my-own-stealthbox.html

And last one, it'd be probably the easiest and also most functional because you add storage space:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/80985-another-cargo-box-but-twist-lots-pics.html

 

[SolRayz]

One more thing Ark...i noticed that there are two sets of wires that run to the stock sub. Which one did you tap off of? Or does it reall matter?

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

The amp I used needs two sets of inputs, so both. Technically it's suppose to be a right and left so that your h/u adjustments work, but with a single sub it shouldn't matter, so for convenience I used both sets of wires at the stock sub.

 

[asnatlas]

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/audio-electronics/22803-completely-new-audio-setup-progress.html

When trying to visit this site on Google Chrome I get the following:

The website at www.toyota-4runner.org contains elements from the site www.teckkits.com, which appears to host malware – software that can hurt your computer or otherwise operate without your consent. Just visiting a site that contains malware can infect your computer.

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Hmm, I get the same message. The computer I was on when I posted that only has firefox, no error there. When I get back on that computer (better security than my personal pc) I will host the pics and post up here.

 

[santana]

Great write up!

Man this makes me want to ditch my setup and then order the parts asap

I am so disheartened though
I'm on my 3rd sub/amp setup on the jbl 10speaker system

Currently have a jbl a1400 amp tapped to a hi/gain converter coming from a stock speaker wire
That's driving two MTX 12" thunder subs in a ported box

And Im just fed up with the sound
The amount of volume I need for good sounding bass is annoyingly loud and causes the stock speakers to vibrate the door panels which annoys me further

By this point I rarely crank the volume to enjoy the system

This write up is motivating me to get back that trunk space and still enjoy some nice bass

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Something's not right there. I've got my amp turned down because the sub is way overpowering the other speakers. I've got my amp set at about half of what I can safely push it and the sub to, and it levels out nicely. With a bigger sub or multiple subs and an amp that's capable of pushing them, I don't see how the speakers could possibly drown it out.

Don't be fooled, a single 8" sub WILL NOT hit the lows like a 10 or 12. However, it does a great job at adding some much needed base. For the audiophile's, this probably isn't the route to go. For the average Joe, it sounds awesome and give as much bass as I would ever desire. In my last 4runner I had dual 10's, and the 4runner I had before that I had a single 12 (and also dual 10's). This system definitely doesn't hit as hard/low as those, but it is great for what it is. IMO the sound quality is much better with this system compared to my others. It's much more evened out, neither overpowers the other once you get it adjusted.

 

[santana]

Something's not right there. I've got my amp turned down because the sub is way overpowering the other speakers. I've got my amp set at about half of what I can safely push it and the sub to, and it levels out nicely. With a bigger sub or multiple subs and an amp that's capable of pushing them, I don't see how the speakers could possibly drown it out.

Don't be fooled, a single 8" sub WILL NOT hit the lows like a 10 or 12. However, it does a great job at adding some much needed base. For the audiophile's, this probably isn't the route to go. For the average Joe, it sounds awesome and give as much bass as I would ever desire. In my last 4runner I had dual 10's, and the 4runner I had before that I had a single 12 (and also dual 10's). This system definitely doesn't hit as hard/low as those, but it is great for what it is. IMO the sound quality is much better with this system compared to my others. It's much more evened out, neither overpowers the other once you get it adjusted.

My guess it the JL amp you are using is probably doing a more efficient job at converting the hi level signal coming from the factory radio. The LOC i'm using is tapped into the driver side speaker which i believe has always held my system back. I will have to reread to see exactly where you tapped into to get the hi level input to your amp.

The stock speakers aren't drowning out my bass.. it just seems i don't have enough gain or battery voltage to achieve the amount of bass i desire. I have to put my volume at 52-57 to really get my subs going. 55 volume sounded alright and i was willing to put up with it and when the car was younger. Now that my 4runner has almost hit 6 years old the rattles and shakes have gotten worst specially in the winter. As the car ages i'm getting less and less motivated to spend the cash needed to replace the head unit all the way to the speakers. Your setup might just do the trick.

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Sounds very possible. I'd like to try an audio clip of my system, I just don't know if it would come out good at all. I tapped into the wires going to the sub right before they enter the enclosure (after the OEM amp).

 

[santana]

Sounds very possible. I'd like to try an audio clip of my system, I just don't know if it would come out good at all. I tapped into the wires going to the sub right before they enter the enclosure (after the OEM amp).

word
yeah audio performance is hard to capture on a digi cam

thanks for taking the time to reply you have some sweet write ups

 

[Potency95]

Thanks for the input! I'll give it a shot too and adjust if necessary.

Did you need a spacer ring for the 8W1v2-4 sub?

I have a blown factory sub now and just want to drop in a new 2-ohm dual coil voice sub so I dont have to wire a new amp just grind some of the plastic fins to achieve more mounting depth.....this Kicker sub is 4-1/4" mounting depth..... that can be achieved without a spacer and just by grinding the fins rite? here is the link to the sub I want to use...Kicker - CompVR Series 8" Dual-Voice-Coil 2-Ohm Subwoofer - CVR82

 

[6starbucks]

any pictures of getting your power from the battery through your firewall?

 

[S p a r k y]

any pictures of getting your power from the battery through your firewall?

Go to previous page!! Does anyone look around anymore ;-) j/k.. Ark ran his through pass side, i ran mine through driver side. cut a small slit in the gromlet, run a coat hanger through, tape power wire to coat hanger and pull back through..

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

I have a blown factory sub now and just want to drop in a new 2-ohm dual coil voice sub so I dont have to wire a new amp just grind some of the plastic fins to achieve more mounting depth.....this Kicker sub is 4-1/4" mounting depth..... that can be achieved without a spacer and just by grinding the fins rite? here is the link to the sub I want to use...Kicker - CompVR Series 8" Dual-Voice-Coil 2-Ohm Subwoofer - CVR82

In my opinion, the stock amp doesn't put out enough juice to do any sub justice. You can try this, I don't know if it'll be an "upgrade" at all though. I know my 8w1v2 with just under 4" mounting depth was close. I would be scared to say for sure, it'd be awful close without a spacer. It may fit, but if so there won't be any room to spare.

As for pics going through the firewall, I'll see if I can't get a better one sometime tomorrow, I was going to do that and it slipped my mind.

 

[6starbucks]

Go to previous page!! Does anyone look around anymore ;-) j/k.. Ark ran his through pass side, i ran mine through driver side. cut a small slit in the gromlet, run a coat hanger through, tape power wire to coat hanger and pull back through..

well i would but i was on my ipod and it wont load pictures very well so i thought i would just ask.

 

[S p a r k y]

Cool, I was just being funny, Goodluck with install, I love it

 

[Jsnap72]

Great thread! Thanks Swamp Rider!! It was exactly what I needed to go ahead and pull the trigger with confidence.
Just ordered the amp, sub, and wiring kit from onlinecarstereo.com
(best overall google check out prices)
Based on some negative reviews about items not actually being in stock I called first and confirmed they had everything.

JL Audio 8W1v2-4 8" 300w 4-ohm subwoofer $84.00
JL Audio J2 250.1 250w rms class a/b monoblock subwoofer amplifier $107.00
SoundStorm SWK8 8 gauge amplifier installation kit $19.00
Subtotal: $210.00
Shipping: $.00
Total: $210.00

Sweet price and can't wait to get it!

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Not a bad deal at all, let us know how it turns out!!!