Radio upgrade

I just bought a used 2011 tacoma with the old style stock radio. I see a few used newer model radios (double DIN I think) but don't know if they're compatible with my 2011. Any help would be appreciated

 

Do you have factory JBL system? This is a determining factor.

 

Actually I dont know. I dont take delivery for a week. I do know its the TRD off road model. V6, automatic trans 4x4

 

You are right about the double din, thats the full 7" screen. I went with an

$280 Alpine ILX-W650 Digital Multimedia Receiver with CarPlay and Android Auto Compatibility

Alpine ILX-W650. I have it on my build thread if you'd like to check it out. I was able to keep steering wheel controls and its a fairly simple set up. Crutchfield is an amazing resource. they were able to answer all of my questions.

 

++ Crutchfield

 

I went with the Kenwood ddx396 and it is ok. The sound is pretty good but for it being the excelon line it is not as good as I expected. I had two single dins in my 99 tacoma and my F-150 and I think they sounded better. The radio is not very bright and hard to see in the sunlight but it fits into the dash very well and I opted to change out my dash kit from grey to black and it looks a lot better in black imo. Another issue is if you use sirius radio this is sirius ready but my in dash sirius radio stopped working after a week and I called crutchfields to send it back and there was an update on the kenwood that needed to be done with USB that fixed it. All in all it is not bad, my daughter has the same truck and we went four wheelin for Fathers day and she loved the look of the black kit over the silver in the dash.

 

When in doubt: Crutchfield. I have a Dasaita head unit in my truck, not a bad unit! Had it for about a year, definitely a bit finicky but I'm a tinkerer so it doesn't bother me as much. It's an affordable option and you get a large 9 inch screen.

 

As mentioned it's a bit easier once you're sure of what you're starting with, but everything's replaceable with some effort, time and budget.

All speakers can be upgraded (replaced) and there's ample space to build a subwoofer into the truck if you desire. Once you/we've got a look at things, or you can get a build sheet and formulate things that way, crutchfield and or your local car audio shop (reputable shop NOT whomever sells pretty wires and big subs) can serve as an excellent resource.

Your truck will require some cosmetic/structural hardware (a dsah kit) and you'll be able to pop in a "standard" off the shelf stereo. The wiring and vehicle interface are what change the most from factory setup to factory setup. Having a JBL system means more guts to replace, having a "plain" factory setup means more mileage can come from the stock wiring (simplification).

 

Just a heads up, I have a 2014 Entune Navigation Non-JBL stock head unit and a Kenwood DDX9907XR up for sale. I'm going to be posting them both on the sale page tonight.

 

Don't forget that the door speakers you need to get an adaper bracket because they are a goofball size. I assumed they were 6x9 when I implus grabbed a set of new pretty decent kicker speakers from the pawn shop. Also to get the harness pigtail, unless you want to cut the factory plug off. I dislike cutting into harnesses unless for some reason it's absolutely necessary. Those 2 things set me back a bit time wise on the install.

 

+++ on Crutchfield

I just did my 2014 with a Kenwood DMX model. And, the wifes RAV4 a year ago.
I paid Crutchfield $24 to prewire the harness. Plug and play. And, they send you all the right adaptors to avoid 99% of splicing. What's not to like?
Also added Infinities in the Tacoma and Alpine in the RAV.

They hear this old guy bouncing and they be looking scared.

 

I will also add this - get a proper crimping tool and use good UL rated wire splices. Knukonceptz sells some decent stuff on the cheap

 

After the radio upgrade. Add 1600 watts and a couple 13.5 jl subs. Upgrade those front door speakers and you’ll be golden