so in the near future i intend on adding 2 12" subs to my sound system right now its just the basic system no factory sub and the sat radio no touchscreen radio all im wondering is if i will be able to wire a sub and amp to the factory unit or will it need to be replaced with an aftermarket?

 

Yes you can add a amp to the factory system you just have to use a line converter

 

If it were me I would update the head unit anyways, also I would add another amp for the speakers if you wanted to do it properly. New aftermarket head units have soo much more technology than these factory ones. They have equalizers, which factory units don't. Which any good sound guy knows they make a world of difference. Plus they will have the proper RCA outs for your amps.

The only reason why I say to install two amps, is because if you're pounding 2 12"s and crank it right up. You're going to get distortion, and IMO its gonna sound crappy.
Now if you're one of those guys who just wants a little extra pound outta the back, then I would definitely not go with 2 12s. Go with 2 tens, or even a pricey high quality 8" You're going to have enough issues alone fitting 2 12s. I know people make it work, but unless you're going with something like the pioneer IB-flat. You're never going to get your necessary box space for your sub. I have helped an installer with many installs, and never have we been able to fit 2 12s in the back without lifting the seats. We can fit the flat type subs, but lots of people want a deep sub, not a quick pounding one. You would have to raise your seats about 3" in order to fit a deep sub in, also keep in mind this is not ported either. It also depends on the subs, but most are generally in same specs. 2 10s fit no problem.

Not saying this is what you have to do, but he has re-done systems because people just pop a sub into a factory box and expect it to work. This is what blows subs, sometimes quicker than others.

My advice is if you are that worried about GOOD quality sound, do it right right from the start

 

so after some research ive decided on doing 2 good quality 10" subs, found a box that fits under the seats just need to remove the fold flat stuff fiund a head id be happy with and now onto the next question...anyone know were i can find a dash install kit and wiring harness that will fit? links appreciated

 

http://www.pac-audio.com/productSear...2011&YearId=32 I strongly reccomend these guys, hardly ever see any issues with their equipment.

Dash kits, I recommend these guys. Good quality kits, that fit very well. They do have adaptors and such as well, but IMO Pac does a much better job of that. http://www.metraonline.com/vfg

 

Just to clear up a few statements made as fact a couple of posts up. You can get a Foxbox to fit two twelves with only lifting the seat 3/4 inch or so. The box comes with spacers. I have two Alpine Type R DVC 12s running off of two 1000 watt Alpine amps and the setup is very loud and clear. Sure, the lower frequencies below 40 hz or so can bea little muddy but my friend has the same box with a set of JLs and his lows are quite nasty. I believe some of the mid-line Sundowns will fit too.

Just saying two full size twelves can fit just fine with a minimal amount of effort and sound very good.

 

answer is yes

you will need a hi/low frequency converter to add amp to factory radio

the amp and subs/box of your choice

now lets just get this out the way right now you are very limited to what amount of bass you can add to these trucks, without mods.

#1 choice custom made box fitted to your truck.
#2 choice purchase a semi/custom box designed to fit your particular make and model.

now the subwoofer box you choose is going to be the deciding factor of what size and power you can put on it.

Dont get it twisted for one minute. Every size sub has a particular type of sound and all brands make different power ranges for each size sub. sample i can choose 1 10" sub that will outperform the next guys 2 12" subs given the setup box-sub-amp combo.

a good aftermarket stereo will go along way for your setup, best buy just had one yesterday kenwood cd/mp3 for $50 why not? depending on installer that is what they will probably charge you for the hi/low converter

i have 2 10" alpine sws1023d subs 1 hifonics 2000watt amp with hi/low setup. with a sub box i purchased on ebay. as for mods i raised the seat about an inch. simply purchased some spacers and mounted under factory bolts. did not affect seating position and is not noticeable at all. too add more bass i can simply swap my sws for swr series subs for 2xs the power and 2xs the price. any more info feel free to pm

 

I have to respectfully disagree that adding a sub to the factory system will sound crappy. I added a single 10" sub in a custom made fiberglass box powered by a pioneer amp to my factory 6 speaker sat radio (non touchscreen/Mygig) system. I used the amp's built in high level inputs and just tapped into the rear speakers for the signal input. It's not the cleanest way to get a signal but since it is for low level frequencies, the crossover/lowpass filter on the amp cleans things up. It made a huge difference and only set me back a couple hundred bucks, because I did all the labor. Since then I have swapped out the front and rear door speakers with some 3 way pioneer 6x9's I found on sale at a local store. They fit without any issues and added better mids/highs over the stock 6x9's. To date, I have probably spent $300.00 for my upgrades and have received many compliments on how clean and loud it sounds, especially when hooked up to an MP3 player. I do agree that swapping out the deck would defiantly make a huge difference. However, if you are on a tight budget (like I was before I paid off my truck) adding a sub will be an affordable upgrade you will not regret.

 

I might have to re-phase myself. I do not disagree with you there, I am just saying for those people who want major bass. Someone who is putting 2 12s in, obviously wants to beat down hard core...Thats where you get your distortion from, and IMO the only REAL way to rid yourself of that is by doing a whole new deck and amp setup. There is a pretty big difference when you go to a 12" IMO, then to put 2 in is crazy in a truck if your not going to go the extra mile.

I myself just have the premium alpine system, and its good enough for me. Sometimes I wish I had a little more low end, but all these vehicle systems are engineered. When these systems are designed they know the exact specs of each speaker and sub, and exactly what their frequency range is. It is why you hardly get any real distortion, to me quality is better than volume, or low end. Yes there is filters and more electronics that are able to get the sound quality pretty good, but still nothing like re-doing everything.
To me its like music, you start with your CD which is in .wav of course. You have to convert that, you are going to lose a little there (hardly noticeable but you do) Then depending on how you play that back its going to sound good or bad. BUT putting the CD in is the best. I knew a guy with a 3k system in his car, but he streamed all his music off his phone via bluetooth. Utter crap! I think if it as every conversion, every cable as a sound quality loss. Same as sound equipment, for every filter or adapter you're going to lose a little. The more you can keep going straight through the better! BUT again, like you mentioned. If you don't have high priced equipment, you are not going to notice much.

 

No worries, I comprende! Sound quality is subjective and depends on the person. For example I think the Sirius/xm sat. radio signal sounds like crap, but my family enjoys it. Now that my truck is paid off, I am planning on swapping out the factory head unit for an aftermarket double din; I am sure the playback sound quality will be significantly better.