Hello all looking for some help here, I got a 2010 dodge ram sport, with the factory nav and the alpine system, (9 speakers), and I want to run 2 subs and a amp off the factory head unit, what do I need to do, to the head unit to make it work, Like I want to keep everything factory including the amps and speakers, just add the 2 12s, and a amp, I was reading about the pac system but it says will not work with factory amp,thanks for your help

 

Might not get the best tuning but go with a Line Out converter (LOC)
Will tap into the high level output from the subwoofer amp and convert
the signal into RCA format.. the rest is simple after that..
Problem is the factory RAM amp will lower subwoofer out put as you
increase volume so only way around that is to buy an aftermarket processor.

 

I just put in a sub and amp in my 2011 sport. I bought a alpine mono channel amp with high level inputs and hijacked the signal from the sub channel from the factory stereo. I'm running a single 10" and the factory sub. I still have bass control from the head unit and haven't noticed any distortion issues. I quite impressed with the performance that i'm getting out of a single 10".

I fiberglassed a box for the 10" ( i apologize for the bad pic angle)

 

I'm interested in what you've done. If I understand correctly, you tapped into the factory sub wiring to supply the high level inputs for the Alpine sub? Are you still running the factory sub or did you eventually remove that (or is it just sitting there disabled)? Which Alpine amp did you use?

I wonder if it would be feasible to basically replace the factory sub driver with an aftermarket one and add an amp like you did? I'd like a little better sub response but I don't need cab-shaking bass. I've always wondered if something like this may be the quickest route to that goal.

Thanks,
Rob

 

Also, how did you power the amp? Did you run a dedicated line from the battery through the cab to the amp location?

Thanks,
Rob

 

I used inline splice connector to tap into the factory sub wiring. So the factory sub is still functioning with the new sub. Then ran one channel worth of wires to the high level inputs on my amp (Alpine mrp-m500 amp). The amp automatically turns on when the factory stereo turns on without the use of a remote wire because it sences signal from the factory system. Then just ran 8gauge power supply to the amp. Theres a perfect location to bring the power cable into the cab without drilling holes and using a gromlet. I came thru the fire wall at the same place the main wiring harness comes in. I'll post some pics when i get home from work.

 

Thanks! Looking forward to the pics.

Rob

 

So here are the pics.
first pic is under the dask looking at the main wiring harness and its boot. the blue cable is the power to the amp. the second pic is looking at the same place but from the engine bay side. if you look at your truck in the same place. you'll see that there is a rubber nipple (yes i said it) thats a part of the rubber boot for the main wiring harness. if you clip off about 1/2" of the rubber you should be able to to feed a cable through from inside the cab. i ran my power cable around behind the battery and to the pos. terminal.

inside the cab you can pop off all the trim pieces along the floor to get to the rear seat. I ran mine all the way behind the seat where the amp sits on the floor.

 

New question for you...

I now have the 10" single box and some equipment. Can you tell me which wires from the factory sub wiring harness are the ones you hooked to the speaker-level inputs on your amp?

Thanks,
Rob

 

I think I may have answered my own question... Looks like:

Channel 1 (+): gray/brown
Channel 1 (+): dark green/brown
Channel 2 (+): gray/white
Channel 2 (-): dark green/white

Rob