Here is my Alpine System MOD. Is not a top of the line System but the sound is allot better than the stock system. My mod includes two additional Amps, the door speakers and a new 8" Subwoofer.

I decided to place the new amps on top of the small storage area at the rear. I am still able to access the small compartment. I looked for other places but it seems like dodge used every inch of the Durango for other things. I was also thinking about installing them inside the small rear compartment but I was worry about the heat that they will generate.


I am not going to go into too many details about the install just the basics.

Moderators: I am not sure if product links are allowed. I am posting them to make it easy for others. If they are not allowed please feel free to delete them. I purchased most of my items from Crutchfield but you'll be able to find similar items in places like Amazon and Newegg.

Items used:

Alpine MRP-F300 - Door Speakers
http://www.crutchfield.com/p_500MRPF300/Alpine-MRP-F300.html?tp=115

Alpine MRP-M500 - Subwoofer
http://www.crutchfield.com/p_500MRPM500/Alpine-MRP-M500.html?tp=115

Kicker 40CWRT81 (Subwoofer 8")
http://www.crutchfield.com/p_2064CWRT81/Kicker-40CWRT81.html

Rockford Fosgate Prime R169X3 - Front Doors
http://www.crutchfield.com/p_575R169X3/Rockford-Fosgate-Prime-R169X3.html?tp=91

Rockford Fosgate Prime R1525X2 - Rear Doors
http://www.crutchfield.com/p_575R1525X2/Rockford-Fosgate-Prime-R1525X2.html?tp=97

Don’t forget that you will need two amp wiring kits. The kits come with everything you’ll need and are not that expensive. I use a 8 Gauge for the F300 (Speakers Amp) and a 4 gauge for the M500 (Subwoofer Amp)


The good thing about Crutchfield is that they included two sets of Metra 71-050 Speaker Wiring Adapters (Free) to make it a plug and play type of installation. Well, almost. One thing that I found and almost missed is that the rear speaker’s connectors don’t match the harness. If you get them you will see what I mean.

On the harness the bigger plug is for the Positive and the smaller for the negative but on the rear speakers is the opposite so I had to cut the connectors and solder them to the speakers.

Also included for free with my Crutchfield order, Scosche SAC-656 Speaker Mounting Brackets. The Durango OEM rear speakers are 6.5” and my new rear speakers are 5.25” so the adapter made everything a lot easier. You still need to do a bit of tweaking to make everything fit just right. They also included a Scosche SA-69 Speaker Mounting Brackets to use on a 6- ½ opening but my front speakers were a perfect fit so I did not use them. They were also free so I am not complaining.

To do my installation I ran the 4 gauge (Positive) from the battery (located under the passenger seat). Don’t forget that you need an inline fuse (I used a 60 amp) near the battery. My inline fuse is approx 6” from the battery. I am spliting the power from the 4 gauge to a 4 and 8 gauge with a distribution block. Some people place the distribution block near the battery and run two separate wires to each amp but since I am only pushing the speakers and an 8” sub is more than enough. I don’t like my windows to rattle; I just wanted a little volume and just enough Bass to make it sound as it should from factory.



I’ve seen mods were the stock amp was completely bypass but since I wanted to keep things simple I took the signal from the stock Amp front and rear door speakers (amplified signal Output) to the Alpine F300 4 channels. To run the subwoofer I connected an RCA patch cable from the F300 Subwoofer Preout to the M500. Then connected the new 8” subwoofer to the amp with new speaker wire. The stock sub wiring harness was not use.



The new kicker 8” Sub is a bit smaller than the stock. The original holes on the plastic stock enclosure will not work. I centered the Sub and made new holes for the installation. The stock Sub screws will not work with this sub.


By not bypassing the stock amp I am still able to use the door tweeters and the D-Pillar speakers. The 8” Kicker is 1ohm dual voice. You need to wire the dual voice in series to get 2 ohm. Don’t worry, it comes with a manual and is super simple to do.
I needed a way to protect the Amps when I use my cargo area, so this is what I made out of ¾ plywood. As you can see the middle support is shorter, allowing me access to the storage compartment. I covered it with fabric to give it a cleaner look. The fabric was very cheap, at around 6 dollars for two yards.











Below is the 2012 Durango stock Alpine wiring diagrams and the radio. I have the 730N RHR. I did not make it in order (1 -16 or 1-22) because IMO is confusing when you are trying to find and cut wires. I made it based on the speaker location. I hope is simple enough.







I also made a Diagram using MS paint of the wiring and the speaker’s location. It is very detailed but I am not sure if it is clear enough on the forum. If you want a file that you can zoom in and out, send me a private message and I will email it.

 

Well I am going to do my set up next

 

Hey,
I live in Collegeville, and work in Bristol, PA...small world.
I had one of those Infinity's in my 300, but I can' remember how it's wired for Power and/or turn on.
Can you tell me ?
What did you do with the stock sub ?....just disconnect ?
Thanks

 

Some really good ideas here. I don't want to interrupt your thread, but I have a 12'' Kicker Solo Baric L7 BNIB that I want to install in my Durango due to similar sound quality from the current Alpine system. (Yes this means changes the mids and highs as well). What if any amplifier would anyone recommend for a singLE Kicker SB 12"?

 

do you even combat action ribbon? Yut

 

I know this post is older but VERY helpful. Thank you!

 

I'm a big fan of anything JL Audio. I have one of their sub amps running my stealthbox and it can push it as hard as I want. Even their inexpensive XD line is top notch. I'd suggest pairing one of their remote control volume ***** so you can adjust the subs volume depending on source from the drivers seat.

 

HIT, Iraq 2005

 

L 3/6 here

 

Semper Fi Marine
I also did Super Squad and my unit won
E 2/25