Replaced JBL Sub/Added Amp: Install Pics/Info

[V8.]

I am wanting to upgrade my system and have a question..

I would like to do this JL amp + sub upgrade .. Could u not remove the stock amp and install a multi channel after market amp in it's place? Then run all the factory speakers off one channel and the new JL sub off the other?

Was just hoping it would save some time with wiring in an extra amp under the seat..

 

[cdoyle]

I am wanting to upgrade my system and have a question..

I would like to do this JL amp + sub upgrade .. Could u not remove the stock amp and install a multi channel after market amp in it's place? Then run all the factory speakers off one channel and the new JL sub off the other?

Was just hoping it would save some time with wiring in an extra amp under the seat..

The stock amp is pretty small in size, and it kind of fits in a little spot. So there really isn't any extra room for a larger sized amp.

 

[zimm]

I am wanting to upgrade my system and have a question..

I would like to do this JL amp + sub upgrade .. Could u not remove the stock amp and install a multi channel after market amp in it's place? Then run all the factory speakers off one channel and the new JL sub off the other?

Was just hoping it would save some time with wiring in an extra amp under the seat..

Uhhhhh.... NO

 

[V8.]

Big thanks to everyone who contributed to this thread. I used it like a bible with my self powered sub install. For anyone in the future who wants to do a similar upgrade but keep factory sub and add another stealth sub unit you can check out my thread:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/audio-electronics/126337-2004-4runner-self-powered-sub-install-b-8pt.html

 

[chuntmd]

Just for clarification If you take the leads from the OEM amp to the new JL Amp are you amping a already amped signal?

 

[toybox]

I kept the factory amp and it powers all the speakers except the sub (they sound better for it too). I then added a small amp near the other amp in the same quarter panel area that powers only the new sub, which was installed where the old sub was. It now sounds so much better and no new wiring or anything outside of the original area. Rockford Fosgate amp and 8" JL sub.

 

[97BlackAckCL]

The stock amp is pretty small in size, and it kind of fits in a little spot. So there really isn't any extra room for a larger sized amp.

Correct, if you look at my thread I linked above, I had to cut the body panels in order to squeaze my bigger amp in there, I would not recommend it.

 

[V8.]

I kept the factory amp and it powers all the speakers except the sub (they sound better for it too). I then added a small amp near the other amp in the same quarter panel area that powers only the new sub, which was installed where the old sub was. It now sounds so much better and no new wiring or anything outside of the original area. Rockford Fosgate amp and 8" JL sub.

im really interested in this. do u have any pics of how you squeezed the new amp in there?

Also, for your rockford amp inputs, did you use the 4 cables that went to ur stock sub as the high level inputs? or did u use the rear left and right speaker wires as your high level inputs to ur rockford amp?

 

[toybox]

I'll be honest with you, I love doing the mechanical stuff on my truck but have never done much besides basic stuff or "plug and play" when it comes to electrical or wiring. I had a local shop do it. The amp was pretty small, I posted the model number in the past so if you search my posts I'm sure you'll find it. I didn't want anything outside of that rear quarter panel so I was just going to get the new sub but then they said it would be better if I added a new amp and assured me that it was small enough and it would fit back there. i did ask them to take pics for me but they didn't :nono: If it wasn't such a PIA to get that panel off I would and get some pics but the time I tried I thought I was going to break some clips. He did show me the amp before hand and it was the size of a couple of decks of cards.

Maybe I was missing something but if there is an easy way to get that panel off I'll do it and get some pics.

 

[WOLVERINE]

JL Amp Question

I'm installing the 8" JL with the factory enclosure on my 04' Sport - NON-JBL with a Kenwood 5120 Deck - WILL this Amp power my door speakers and sub?

JL Audio XD500/3

500W, Three-Channel Class D XD Series System Car Amplifier

I don't want to have 2 separate Amps for my speakers and my sub...

 

[maxspeed96ct]

So I see a few guys have upgraded your subs but kept the stock amp, I know its not ideal but I'm on a budget . And would like just alittle more bass .

Are you guys still satisfied or do you wish you just added a amp from the start ?

 

[jimithing]

I'm installing the 8" JL with the factory enclosure on my 04' Sport - NON-JBL with a Kenwood 5120 Deck - WILL this Amp power my door speakers and sub?

JL Audio XD500/3

500W, Three-Channel Class D XD Series System Car Amplifier

I don't want to have 2 separate Amps for my speakers and my sub...

While possible I don't think that's the route I'd take. I think you'd be better off with a 5 channel amp like the JL XD700/5.

 

[toybox]

So I see a few guys have upgraded your subs but kept the stock amp, I know its not ideal but I'm on a budget . And would like just alittle more bass .

Are you guys still satisfied or do you wish you just added a amp from the start ?

Upgrading your sub without adding an extra amp or upgrading the existing is hardly going to add anything, if at all, to the stock sound. My sub was blown so I had to replace it but you could just add a small amp to power the existing sub and that would make a decent difference for limited cash.

 

[WOLVERINE]

While possible I don't think that's the route I'd take. I think you'd be better off with a 5 channel amp like the JL XD700/5.

I did a little research and I agree - found one on eBay for $350.

 

[ddnww]

just my 2 cents..
1 for a cheaper price, there is way better gear out there than jl audio.
2 never use existing stock speaker wires
3 i didnt do the quick research, but i can pretty much guarantee the jl subs enclosure volume requirements are different than the jbl, therefore you wont get the best results out of the jl.
4 seat bolts are some of the worst places to ground an amp, did u properly prepare the ground by removing the paint from the body, scuffing it up, use anti corrosion washer etc.
5never run rca cables and power wire next to each other , high risk for electrical interference.

That said, its a pretty clean install for your first time, and im sure it sounds pretty good.

 

[rigtec]

Great job, I know that "StealthBox" will sound AMAZING!!!

rigtec

 

[jimmied]

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

OK, lets talk, i have a similar set up. jl 8w0 in stock cab but i cannot put the cover back on. rattles like hell. Added some window trim for a house to put pressure on it to keep from rattling, it helped but no go. I hate driving around without the cover. any cures?

 

[97BlackAckCL]

OK, lets talk, i have a similar set up. jl 8w0 in stock cab but i cannot put the cover back on. rattles like hell. Added some window trim for a house to put pressure on it to keep from rattling, it helped but no go. I hate driving around without the cover. any cures?

Currently I'm driving around without a cover too due to the rattling. I bought another panel, I am planning to grind down all the lines/wings on the back of it so that it will sit flush, then I'm planning to cover it in dynamat. I'm also planning to do the whole inside of that larger panel in dynamat as well. My problem with the rattling, is that since the fins on the back of the panel are there, the panel can't sit flush due to the larger amp, so I have to smooth all that down, and get it to sit flush.

 

[snowbrdr033]

you may want to try some dynamat. I did a similar swap here, but used a jl8w3 and put my amp under the passenger seat. I put dynamat around the box and inside of the back panel that covers the amp/sub in the trunk. It has helped and many other guys on here have done the same thing.

 

[jimmied]

you may want to try some dynamat. I did a similar swap here, but used a jl8w3 and put my amp under the passenger seat. I put dynamat around the box and inside of the back panel that covers the amp/sub in the trunk. It has helped and many other guys on here have done the same thing.

I did all that ahead of time. My problem is just with the panel itself. I am running around with no panel. I have even applied some window puffy weather stripping in hopes of giving it some cushion but no go.