So - once I get my truck on the road and running as it should I think my next plan is a new stereo as the current one sounds horrible.

Found fitting speakers and a head unit but in terms of sub solutions I am probably going to bypass the factory amp and install new subs.

Ideally I would like to use stock location to avoid any loss of storage/utility.

I saw the post in the tech section about a set of speakers that someone put in that seemed to work but I am just exploring all my options.

Anyone know the mounting depth available in the door? The ones in the tech section were < 3" ... curous about this one but its > 4":

JL Audio 6W3v3-4 W3v3 Series 6.5" 4-ohm subwoofer at Crutchfield.com

Also, I assume the stock audio out gets crossed over and send to the speakers at the factory amp - this makes me summize that if I remove the factor amp and related wiring there would be a set of speaker wires outbound to the subwoofers? Haven't actually seen the location of the factory amp but if it is large enough I could plan to put an aftermarket amp in this location, run RCA to the new deck, and just tie in the subwoofer output here and avoid having to run wire. However if space is a factor I think I could find somewhere else to hide the amp.

Thanks for help and any other recommendations.

 

The RAVE electrical circuit diagrams and troubleshooting manual has the wiring diagrams, color codes, and even pictures of the various locations of items.

 

couple of things...

Mounting depth is pretty generous. I replaced my subs with a set from MCM electronics and the width of the opening needed to be adjusted. The diameter of the magnets on back the stock subs is rather narrow.

From the factory amp there is a mono, line level (un-amplified) output which runs to the back of the truck. There is a small (15W IIRC) amp attached to the back of the subs which is a piece of junk. I used that line level output and ran it through a MTC brand 250w amp (purchased on ebay for $35) and now drive those two 6.5" subs with proper power. Sounds great. Won't break windows or scare birds, but was cheap and plenty powerful for me. The new Foo Fighters album sounds great on it.

You can do a search on this message board to see some of the discussion leading up to my install.

 

Walt, you know you need to properly test it by putting on some Bleach or Nevermind.

 

Yoshi- There is the depth of the enclosure and almost the entire depth of the door itself, so- lots of room. I have this crap out right now to change my spare carrier, fix the speaker grill and re glue the vinyl to the panel. I hav'nt figured out what I'm doing with the speakers yet but when you remove them- please note that under that glue, there are bent over tabs that you will not see until you dig around a bit. bend them back up and the speaker pries right out.

 

Thanks for all the help everyone! Good news.

 

Please let me know what speakers you use and how they work out. I re foamed mine but one is just not right.

 

i have my rear door panel off as well... was going 2 take originals around to stereo shops 2 c what will fit... will keep ya'll posted on my findings...

 

i bought prebuilt kit took 6.5 subs out and just dropped them in using stock amp & wires...

 

How does it sound?