Want to gut JBL

[chuntmd]

Gutting JBL now in process... was Want to gut JBL

2004 4R limited: If I want to start fresh what am I missing? (speakers in doors and sub, no center speaker or rear surrounds)

Kit to retain steering wheel controls
Kit to use diversity antenna
2din dash kit, seems like the one by bestkits fits nicely
cables from HU to Amps (4way & sub amps)
speaker wire from amps to doors and sub enclosure

What else? Also what is RDS and why does it make a difference when selecting your car at places like crutchfield?

Thanks

 

[Mbiker_101]

Highly recommend the pioneer avh-p4400bh, great unit, then go to best kits.com to get the dash kit, the metro kit doesn't fit. Keep us posted.

 

[jeffrosheen]

I just put in the Kenwood Excelon and while the sound is the highest quality I have ver heard, the interface is pretty much crap. It takes 3-5 seconds to skip songs pulling from an iPod and you cant go back one screen.

Not sure what your budget is but if you can swing some Focals you will not be disappointed. I paired two sets of KRCs with a Focal amp under my front passenger seat and its pretty spectacular. Havent figured out a sub yet but I am leaning toward a little Focal 5.5" and modify the stock box with some carbon.

 

[TigerTownAlum]

My JBL Synthesis Overhaul - Finally got this write-up done. Hope it helps.

 

[chuntmd]

Can anyone explain what the purpose of a wiring harness if your not using the JBL amp or the speaker wires? Could I use it just for the power, illumination? Does it plug into the HU or the connector you unplug from the HU?

Finally if I need a wiring harness what part number do I need if my OEM is the JBL with RDS?

Thanks

CEH

 

[BrightLight7]

Sheer power my friend, also a part of it will be for steering wheel controls. It plugs into the aftermarket harness adapter you buy, then connected by wires to back of new harness that comes with the headunit.

 

[chuntmd]

Well I've received all the items but I don't remember getting RCA leads to go from the AVH-P4400BH to the kenwood amp (and future sub amp, still on wishlist). Need to see how long they need to be.

I know I'm getting older but thank goodness Pioneer has their install manuals in PDF so I can zoom in. Will take some picts.

CEH

 

[BrightLight7]

Well I've received all the items but I don't remember getting RCA leads to go from the AVH-P4400BH to the kenwood amp (and future sub amp, still on wishlist). Need to see how long they need to be.

I know I'm getting older but thank goodness Pioneer has their install manuals in PDF so I can zoom in. Will take some picts.

CEH

What's funny is when you said you know you're getting older, I was the number 18 under your name and thought AGE not posts. Hahahaha. Some RCA's come with your amp kit, but you'll need to measure to see if they're long enough

 

[shadow247]

Need any help doing your install? I am down in Hampton, about 3 hours from you, and would be happy to help on the weekend.

 

[chuntmd]

BL7, I bought the KnuKoncepts dual amp kit. Dang that has to be the thickest wire I've seen and flexible. I'll get the 22guage shielded RCAs from monoprice.

Amazon.com: KnuKonceptz Kolossus Flex 0 Gauge Dual Power Amp Installation Wiring Kit: Car Electronics


Shadow, thanks for the offer. I used to live in Poquoson mid 70s. Having to listen to my SIII for traffic and weather (on the 8s is getting to be a pain and is a good incentive to get this project started.

CEH

 

[BrightLight7]

I was going to do ZERO gauge for my install but no need at the end of the install.

 

[shadow247]

Damn that is a big wire kit. I've never had to mess with anything other than 4 gauge for any of the installs I did.

 

[chuntmd]

Shadow, yep 0 gauge is a PITA as the distribution block converts to 4 gauge which is still to big to connect to the amps. So I'm waiting for a 4-8 distribution block and wire. Also had to get the SAT69 and tweeter adapters (see picks).

Started on Sunday getting the 0 gauge to the area under the driver's seat. Got the console removed and started on the passenger door. I put two sheets of dynamat, one on the inside and one one the outside.

First time doing this type of stuff, the wiring for the HU looks to be the hardest part.

CEH

 

[chuntmd]

Good news, other than the cover for the sub area and getting the wiring for the rear camera into the tailgate everything works The hardest part was getting the HU back into the spot. I actually removed the center dash speaker (no use now) and could adjust the wires back in that area. Maybe it will help with any heat from the HU. Here are a few more picts. Pulling the wire through the door harness was time consuming. Almost everything see to take more time than it should. I used both bolts under the center arm rest for amp grounds.
Ended up getting a Harbor Freight Hydraulic crimper (<$60) for the 4 & 8 guage ground connections. Will use it again for the engine grounds upgrade.

Really appreciate other t4r.org users that have done write-ups.

 

[chuntmd]

More picts

Still finalizing the rear camera wiring but here are the last of the pics

 

[chuntmd]

With the multi layer dynamat in the sub area quarter-panel the magnaflow is toned down a little during normal operating mode. The parking brake bypass works. The Axxess steering wheel adapter (i only have left radio buttons) works better than the factory.

Traffic and weather on the 8's

CEH

 

[chuntmd]

The first week I was not impressed by the subwoofer. Then I started to read the directions on the amp, the gain dial was at the min level. Turned it up some and the JL came alive

If you looking for tweeter mounts here is where I picked mine up:

PVC Speaker Adapters - CNC Machined - In Stock or Custom Made

They come in different flavors, I got the ones without tweeter mounting holes.

Rear camera works great but I recommend starting from the camera mount and working the wiring to the driver's side taillight area. You don't want a lot of extra wiring as you need to zip tie it up to the existing harness so it does not get in the way of the window.

CEH

 

[toiday]

With the multi layer dynamat in the sub area quarter-panel the magnaflow is toned down a little during normal operating mode. The parking brake bypass works. The Axxess steering wheel adapter (i only have left radio buttons) works better than the factory.

Traffic and weather on the 8's

CEH

Which 2DIN dash kit do you use? It looks as it's original.

 

[chuntmd]

From hifisoundconnection.com

BKTOYK961 BEST KITS Best Kits BKTOYK961 Double DIN Car Stereo Install Dash Kit for 03-08 Toyota 4 Runner (Limited & Sport)
$20.53 $20.53

Give yourself room and reduce the heat by taking out that center speaker if you have one.

CEH

 

[toiday]

From hifisoundconnection.com

BKTOYK961 BEST KITS Best Kits BKTOYK961 Double DIN Car Stereo Install Dash Kit for 03-08 Toyota 4 Runner (Limited & Sport)
$20.53 $20.53

Give yourself room and reduce the heat by taking out that center speaker if you have one.

CEH

From your picture, I can't tell the Double DIN kit was used.