Any information would be good, like speaker size, how well they hold up comparatively speaking. I know a stock system usually has to go, but I am hoping that this one is better than most. I am not able to listen to my trucks system right now and am just trying to figure out the basics. Also I would like to get a sub. I have an amp already and am looking for a small sub to put in. I need the room in my quad cab so something that is small and puts out a nice thump would be good. I am no stereo genius and barely know the basics, just looking for some help from the resident experts here Thanks in advance.

 

I'm putting in a new system right now. My truck's in the garage in a million pieces as I write. I am putting in a Kenwood 5.1 channel head unit, 4-channel Punch amp for the front doors and sub, (2) 10" subs and JBL's in the four doors. I'll use the head units amp for the rear channels and the factory amp and dash speakers for the center channel.

Here's what I've found so far. The front dash is easy to take off, but forget about using the stock wiring for the speakers if you have an amp. The crossover is in the amp, located behind the glove box. You can use the factory amp and upgrade your speakers, but you'll really only benefit from the rear speakers unless you change dash speakers as well, since the door speakers act as the subs (no treble). Just don't forget to connect the amp lead to your radio's continuous-on lead. If you connect it to the antenna lead, it will shut off every time you pop in a CD, turning off the radio.

No way to easily get to the factory amp to tap into the wiring. Likewise with the doors. They have a wiring harness leading from the doors that plugs into the frame. There is a grommet inside the front door jamb where the antenna goes through that can be tapped for a speaker wire. Also the grommet into the door has plenty of room. I haven't figured out the best way to run a wire through the B-pillar for the rear door speakers. (That's where I quit for the night.) I may have better luck getting to the factory wiring harness there and using it to get to the door. The Sirius antenna is easy to run through the cab mounted brake light and around the headliner.

The front door speakers are 6x9 subs. The rear doors have 6 1/2" by every catalog I've read, but they won't fit without an adaptor plate. I'm guessing 5 1/2" but I didn't measure to be sure since I think I can make the 6 1/2" work. The dash speakers are supposedly 3 1/2" but I haven't found a way to get to them, so I'm going to use the stock Infinity's there. I'm basically going to have to "waste" a small amp in order to provide a usable signal for the factory amp to work. It won't work with low-level inputs.

Q-Logic makes a single 10" sub enclosure that fits in the rear passenger storage well. MTX also makes an excellent sub box which fits under both rear seats with two 10" subs included You can get one with an amp built in or without. Mine's without. There is also a flat brace under the passenger seat which can be used to mount an amp rack and still clear the jack. Take a piece of 1/2" plywood, cut it 10" wide by 18" long for your rack. You can mount one medium or two small amps on it and have sufficient clearance. You can even mount the Sirius tuner on the bottom and still clear the jack. When the seat is moved forward you'll expose most of the amp for decent access. With this set-up you won't loose any space except under the seats.

As of now, I haven't a clue how any of it will sound, but I'm hopeful that it will be rockin by Sunday!

 

I think the infinity speakers are pretty good. And if yuo don't want to spend the money on speakers, got for a good stereo and see how that is. I just put in my aftermarket stereo and have the stock speakers in my neon, and with just the good stereo, sounds pretty good. For a good subwolfer, I have a 10" Rockford Fosgate. It is not hardcore bumpin but gives the sound a nice full balance. And look around there are speaker boxes that are made for your truck and can fit under the back seat. That is what I did with my chevy truck i just got rid of.

 

Well crcarch you are way past what I am talking about, lol. I use to really be into car stereo but I stopped after putting so much work into a stereo just to sell the vehicle later. I will replace the head unit as I am sure the stock cd player will not play MP3 coded disks. I will know more when I get home. Thanks both of you for your help!

 

You're right. The stock unit won't play MP3's. Swapping the head unit is a piece of cake using the factory wiring harness. Just don't forget the antenna adaptor. Chrysler doesn't use a standard plug.

After getting to the stock speakers and taking a look, they appear cheaply constructed (small dia. magnet pole, paper surround, etc.) but they do sound decent. It's really what your ears think that matters. If you like the sound, stick with them. It's by far the simplest thing to do. I've spent about 12 hours so far on my install and about 30 minutes of that was the head unit.

 

Well I know for a fact I will not be able to do all that by myself, I am not a car audio God. I will give it a try when I get home, I'll be sure to keep in touch, lol. Thanks again!