Replacements For Factory Speakers?

[Jack Dotson]

Bought a 2003 4-Runner about a month ago and love just about everything about it, except for the crappy audio system. It actually sounds like it has decent power as I get some pretty decent bass extension, but it's not quality bass and, well it just isn't very good.

I'm not looking to do any modifications and don't want an elaborte systems, but I would like to replace the factory speakers with some decent ones. Anyone know what size speakers are used for each location? Also, any idea of what will drop into the factory positions without modifications?

I'm also curious if anyone has found out what brand of components are used for the factory set-up. I really wish I would have got the JBL upgrade.

Thanks,
Jack

 

[rorad]

I agree the base audio system is crap. I replaced my whole system a couple of months ago. Your rear speakers are 6.5" and the front are components with a 1" tweeter and a 6"x9" woofer. The fronts were hard to find for a reasonable price so I replaced them with a 6.5 component (Alpine). The installer modified the board and they fit just fine. I also replaced the head unit with a Pioneer with a steering wheel remote. Overall it sounds a lot better than the base system. My husband wants me to install an amp and sub, but I'm too cheap to put all that in and I'm happy with the sound I have now anyway.

 

[peter78]

It is interesting that your systems are not so good. My 2001 model has a good system on paper and it LOOKS impressive. It has a CD & cassette player and six speakers. The antenna automatically goes down plus it has a secondary antenna in the left rear window. But it didn't sound good at all. The rear speakers are the worst speakers of the bunch.

I remember when the new 4Runner was coming out and Toyota said they have vastly improved their Stereo system. Looks like it remained much the same.

 

[Jack Dotson]

Thanks for the response. Are the 6X9's in the fron strictly a bass speaker or are they coaxial's? If there used only for bass anyone know how thier crossed over to the tweet. Also, from the pictures the tweeter looks bigger than 1". I thought is was like a mid-tweeter? Looked like paper too. If the front 6X9's are truely used as mid/woofers only, then maybe I could start by putting in a new set of tweets and see if it helps? Do you know if your installer also had to make modifications to install the 1" tweeter?

Thanks

 

[rorad]

I knew if I opened my mouth, I'd get in over my head ! As I understand these component speakers, the 1" is a tweeter and the 6X9 is a woofer. A set of component speakers also includes external crossovers to direct the frequencies to the appropriate component. You can purchase just tweeters if you want to try that. From what my installer told me the new tweeters and the old ones were the same size (1"). Check out Crutchfield.com on the web to see what a set of components look like and you can read additional info. on them and how to install them at their site. Again, 6X9s are hard to find, but you can easily put in smaller ones (6x7 or 6x8 ovals or even 6.5 round). Also, it's real typical for the factory speakers to have paper cones. Cones made of more dense material give a much better sound. Good Luck!