Factory Sub Replacement/Modification

Well last weekend I decided it was time to upgrade my factory JBL sub. My goal was to retain the factory look while boosting the performance.

I did a lot of searching around, but I hadn't come upon anyone that utilized the factory enclosure. So I decided I would try it. I pulled the factory box out and removed the stock sub. Interesting note - it is a dual voice coil sub. I then measured the depth of the box. After doing some research I purchased a 8" JL Audio sub.

While I had the seats and cubbies removed, I decided to Dynamat the back wall.



Then I applied Dynamat to the stock enclosure, sealed the old speaker screw holes and trimmed a little of the inside of the box (to allow the JL sub to fit).

Next, I mounted the JL sub into the box and reinstalled it into the truck. After driving around for a week I was disappointed with the sound output. The factory JBL amp just didn't have enough power to run the new sub. A little discouraged, I remembered I had a Soundstream "Little Wonder" amp in storage.

I hooked up the Little Wonder and WOW it made a HUGE difference! I was never looking for huge bass, just enough to fill out the highs and mids. This sub definitely delivers!

Cheers!

 

Looks good man! your pics are huge. Can go wrong with JL

 

Did you get a W0?

 

^ Sorry about that. I just made the pictures smaller.

It is a JL Audio 8W1v2-4. When I purchased it I wasn't intending to run an aftermarket amp, so I went with something with a smaller mounting depth.

I'm use to having 10" or 12" subs, so there is definitely a difference. However, I'm quite impressed on how great it sounds.

I'm just happy my "Little Wonder" is holding strong. I've had that amp for at least 7 years.

 

Cant go wrong with the old skool SoundStream stuff. Wouldn't touch the new stuff though

 

+1 on the little wonder... great old amp

 

Nice job, what are the specs on the sub?

From the research ive done the oem jbl amp is 50 ohm rms at 2 ohm correct ?

Im thinking of doing the same but really dont want to add a amp. I just want more clarity not looking for more bass.

 

Reviving a super old thread... I had 3 comp-level Rockford Fosgate T2 subs back in high school. I don't want or need that anymore.

However, I am thinking about adding a better sub to the back, in the stock sub box like you did. Where is the amp located? Under the driver seat?

 

Amp is mounted to the factory sub box, you can see it in the picture, its the silver box.

Check the ohm rating on the factory sub, might be a 2 ohm load, so you will want to get another 2 ohm sub to replace it. If you dont, then the power output will be less.

 

Yeah I know about ohms and watts RMS. Used to do lots of stereo stuff.

I'm thinking with how weak that amp is... no sub I replace it with will sound much better

 

According to JBLs website (https://www.jbl.com/toyota.html) the system is listed a 8 channel 440 watt amplifier.... but, it drives 7 speakers. Im curious if the 8th channel can be used.

EDIT: I am just now seeing you guys have second gen, the link I provided is for 3rd gen. Not sure if there is a difference or not in the amps.

 

Maybe I'll just tear it open and look.

And technically, yes, if there are 8 channels on the AMP you can run all six speakers, then combine the remaining two channels for the sub.. and that's what I believe JBL and Toyota actually did here. @5nahalf

After Googling around, this is what I found out about the rear sub/amp situation. (for 2nd gen & 3rd gen) both!

Speaker Specs
--According to Toyota documents this sub is powered by 2 channels. Each one operates at 2 ohms
--Amp supplies a total of 110 watts (according to JBL's website) to both channels so 55 watts RMS at 2 ohms per channel

I'm not 100% positive on this. I do know that the amp has 440w overall, and shares that 440 between 6 speakers and the sub.

There are some decent shallow-mount 2 ohm subs from JL Audio, Rockford Fosgate, or even kicker that could be decent direct drop-in replacements. They could use more power, but will still sound significantly better than what's inside the truck today.

Personally, I wouldn't buy any polk, sony, or pioneer subs.. nope. Instead, get one of the 3 I just mentioned.

 

Does anyone happen to know the max top mount depth of the factory jbl sub box? I am away from my truck but want to order a replacement lol.

 

How easy was it to wire up a new amp? I was thinking of replacing the stock one but didnt know how difficult it would be?

 

Love your content bro! So this is all there the factory amp and sub are located?