Step by Step Instructions for Installing an Amp?

[MSBX4RUNNER]

Are there any step by step instructions for installing an amp in a 4runner? I have searched and searched and have only found a little bit of instructions. I am looking for something more detailed, I am a noob at this.

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

I don't know of any that are 4runner specific. What all are you installing (amp, sub, head unit, etc)? Where are you mounting the amp (cargo area, under seat, etc)? This is a pretty good guide for the basics. Once I know the above info, I can give you a little more detail on the install and that should be enough to get you going.

 

[borgzman]

Detailed instructions depend on
- what amp?
- are u using stock headunit?
- are u going to hook the amp to the factory door speakers and/or upgrade door speakers?
- or are you going to replace headunit and add amp + subwoofer?

Its not as complicated as it appears in build pics. After following instructions and connection manual in the headunit/car stereo, adding an external amplifier and subwoofer(enclosure) is the easiest. Its running wires and concealing them requires time and patience

 

[MSBX4RUNNER]

I am replacing my non JBL stock head unit with a Scion t1809, I have the ipod cable for the Scion HU, a JBL amp, and a Sony eXplode sub (don't laugh). I will be upgrading the stock speakers and tweeters at some point in the far future but not now. I would love to mount the amp under a seat (don't know if there is any room?). I guess I would want to hook up the amp to the speakers as well if that will make it all sound better. The amp and sub are coming out of my old car, I have all the wires but don't know if they will work with this insall. I don't see why they wouldn't. I also have an FM modulator but I don't know what the advantages are to installing it with this set up. (Sorry lots of "I don't know's") I just want the best sound with the parts I have, what ever yall think the best set up would be....

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Do you know if the amp has speaker level inputs? If not, get me the model of the amp and I'll look it up.

 

[MSBX4RUNNER]

Do you know if the amp has speaker level inputs? If not, get me the model of the amp and I'll look it up.

It looks just like this one, but I don't have the model number. I got these as hand me downs and know nothing about them. I don't even know if they are good ones or not. I think these are the specs but I am not sure, I just grabbed them off the link of the picture that looked like my amp.
Power Output:- (204 Watts RMS x 1 channel at 4 ohms and ≤ 1% THD + N) - (294 Watts RMS x 1 channel at 2 ohms) - (14.4V supply and ≤ 1% THD + N)
Signal-to-Noise Ratio 77dBA (reference 1 watt into 4 ohms)
Dynamic Power 320 watts at 2 ohms
Effective Damping Factor 6.39 at 4 ohms
Frequency Response 10Hz – 302Hz (–3dB)
Maximum input signal 4.7V
Maximum sensitivity 220mV
Output regulation 0.098dB at 4 ohms
Remote bass-level control (optional)
12dB Built-in, variable, low-pass electronic crossover
Variable bass-boost control
One pair full-range preamp outputs
RCA low-level inputs
Dimensions (H x W x D) 295mm x 313mm x 60mm

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

OK, they are listed so probably not. Do you happen to know if the head unit has sub outputs? I'm not familiar with the Scion H/U's, a google search showed that they have some RCA connections, just not sure if two of them will work for amps. If it does, then it'll be pretty easy doing the install.

 

[borgzman]

I will connect the factory harness, looks like plug n play??
I will get audio signal from the sub woofer out(plug the audio rca cables)
Then locate the acc wire in the headunit, tap a the blue wire for the external amps remote. Run and extend those cables until the the passengers footwell carpet..now time for amp and sub mounting...
http://media.photobucket.com/image/Scion%20t1809/dogfoster/cars/t1809radio2.jpg

Another important thing is you can have an entry of supply wire for the amp from batt through the firewall..IMO there is a rubber gromet?? n the drivers side poke and receive the 12V supply wire inside above the driver's foot rest.... all should be plug n play.

[http://www.toyota-4runner.org/audio-electronics/56879-t1809-installed-my-4th-gen.html
RAV4World - :: View topic - Scion T1809 with Integrated 200W Amplifier]

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

^^That answered what I needed to know, it does have a sub out, and the head unit is plug and play as far as I know, so install shouldn't be bad at all. For the amp to work, you will have 5 wires (or sets of wires).
Power-goes from amp to the battery. As mentioned, there is a rubber grommet near the foot area. I did mine on the passenger side, just because that's the side my amp was mounted on. I should have pics of this if there are any questions.
Ground-goes from amp to somewhere on the chassis. You just need to find a bolt that does into the chassis (I used the bolt that mounts the seat).
Turn on wire-as mentioned, this will come from the back of the head unit to the amp.
RCA Inputs-goes from the head unit to the sub. I advise you to run these on the opposite side from the power and other wiring to prevent interference.
Speaker wires-run them to your speakers.
Thats a broad description of whats needed, anything that needs explained further just let me know and I can elaborate.

 

[VinnyM]

^^That answered what I needed to know, it does have a sub out, and the head unit is plug and play as far as I know, so install shouldn't be bad at all. For the amp to work, you will have 5 wires (or sets of wires).
Power-goes from amp to the battery. As mentioned, there is a rubber grommet near the foot area. I did mine on the passenger side, just because that's the side my amp was mounted on. I should have pics of this if there are any questions.
Ground-goes from amp to somewhere on the chassis. You just need to find a bolt that does into the chassis (I used the bolt that mounts the seat).
Turn on wire-as mentioned, this will come from the back of the head unit to the amp.
RCA Inputs-goes from the head unit to the sub. I advise you to run these on the opposite side from the power and other wiring to prevent interference.
Speaker wires-run them to your speakers.
Thats a broad description of whats needed, anything that needs explained further just let me know and I can elaborate.

Sorry for this tangent, but since you touched on it and I've always wondered... do you benefit significantly by replacing the stock speaker wires? I'm probably going to get around to getting a 4 channel amp for my speakers soonish (have a mono amp for my sub) and if I could save the hassle of putting in new wiring and just hook the amp to all the speakers at the head unit that would save me a whole lot of panel-removing.

As for the actual topic, crutchfield.com has some instructional videos (and lots of written info). Not 4runner specific, but helpful if you need a little more visual. Good luck!

 

[borgzman]

Getting signal from the stock speaker wirings, means you are feeding an "amplified" audio signal to your external amp. Why? because the audio in the speaker wiring is coming from the stereo's built-in power amp..its usually 15w rms power. You will have a hardtime matching the input wattage for the external amp...mismatch all the time, usually distorted sound. They are designed to receive signals in low wattage preamp. So a specified preamp out from the car stereo is where you get the signal and feed it in you external amp. A subwoofer out is a good example. However modern amp can have that input though..I think its called "high level input" and if you have that in your amp then its ok.

Sorry I'm old skool, but I prefer
Tapehead/Lens/phono/tuner > preamp > main amp > booster amp > speaker...then deep purple

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

I've messed with subs/amps a bit, but never really touched speakers. When I said speakers, I was referring to the sub(s). However, if you are going to add an amp to power the door speakers, I'd advise going ahead and swapping wire. The OEM wiring isn't big enough to handle much power, so if you put an amp on the speakers the wiring becomes a bottleneck and you won't get the full potential out of the speakers. Also, aftermarket wiring will be much better quality than the OEM. Based on what I know (not experience though), there'd be no question if I was doing the install, I'd swap them out.

In this case, there are preamp outputs so those should be used off the head unit. I do agree with borgzman's comments, better quality inputs = better quality sound coming from the added sub.

 

[MSBX4RUNNER]

I think my amp is a mono amp, if it is a mono amp is it only going to make the sub go "boom"? Or does a mono amp make the door spearkers sound better too? I only ask because I would rather my door speakers sound better than having a big "thump". If the amp I have is NOT going to make the overall sound quality better, I would rather just leave it out and not mess with it. I think I can install the head unit and iPod cable myself but I am iffy about the amp and sub. I'd rather not mess with installing the sub and amp I have if all it is going to do is make rap songs on the radio sound better. With that said, should I just leave them out for now? Or will installing the amp and sub make everything sound better?

 

[VinnyM]

Since the only wattage info is for 1 channel it sounds like it's just a 1 channel (mono) amp, so yes it will only power the sub. I still think it's very worthwhile to have though, you can have the bass turned down low so that you aren't thumping around town drowning out the actual music, but it still adds a pretty major element to most songs that stock car systems will have you completely missing out on.

That's assuming you want to just stick with stuff you own already. If you were interested in buying new stuff it sounds like you could be pretty happy with new speakers in all the doors (even speakers that cost $50-70/set will sound great) and a 4 channel amp to power all of those would make you very happy and leave your cargo area spacious.

 

[MSBX4RUNNER]

Since the only wattage info is for 1 channel it sounds like it's just a 1 channel (mono) amp, so yes it will only power the sub. I still think it's very worthwhile to have though, you can have the bass turned down low so that you aren't thumping around town drowning out the actual music, but it still adds a pretty major element to most songs that stock car systems will have you completely missing out on.

That's assuming you want to just stick with stuff you own already. If you were interested in buying new stuff it sounds like you could be pretty happy with new speakers in all the doors (even speakers that cost $50-70/set will sound great) and a 4 channel amp to power all of those would make you very happy and leave your cargo area spacious.

Hmmmm, that is something to think about. For now, I am just going to leave the sub and amp out then. I will probably buy new speakers and a 4channel amp after learning a little bit more about what I have. About how much money is an OK 4 channel amp?