2nd Gen (2015) Tacoma Speaker upgrade, completely Plug and Play, No splicing, no cutting, no trimmi

2nd Gen (2015) Tacoma Speaker upgrade, completely Plug and Play, No splicing, no cutting, no trimming


Like most of us, I thought the audio quality in my non-JBL tacoma was really lacking. I read that the entune head unit is severely limited from the bad quality of stock speakers, and that's correct. This write up is about replacing the two main door speakers in a Tacoma, for a total of $55 at the time of writing (1/24/20).


Huge thanks to irayfz6 - https://www.tacomaworld.com/members/irayfz6.215940/

He really made this happen in terms of finding the correct parts


What you need:


Parts:


Kenwood KFC-6966S Speaker Pair -

$39 Kenwood KFC-6966S 6 x 9" 400-Watt 3-Way Flush Mount Coaxial Car Speaker Easy Installation - Pair

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07B6FP8PW/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s02?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Speaker Mounting Adapters -

$20 Metra 82-8146 6" x 9" Front Speaker Adapter for Select Lexus and Toyota Vehicles, Black, Apple

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IIC6CPE/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1


Speaker Wire Adapters -

$18 (2) Pair of Metra 72-8104 Speaker Wire Adapters for Select Toyota Vehicles - 4 Total Adapters

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01GEIP7RW/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s02?ie=UTF8&psc=1


Tools:


Basic trim removal tool kit -

$6 KLTECH 4Pcs Auto Door Clip Panel Trim Removal Tool Kits Thick Plastic Car Tools for Car Dash Radio Audio Installer Pry Tool with Paper Box

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HNMLQAG/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1


Better Quaity trim tool kit with case -

$10 Auto Trim Removal Tool Set (No Scratch Plastic Pry Tool Kit) - Auto Trim Tool Kit Car Tools, Easy Door Panel Removal Tool, Fastener Removal, Clip, Molding, Dashboards, Interior Trim Tools

https://www.amazon.com/SunplusTrade...stener-Removal/dp/B01M3SP84D/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?


Screw driver (only philips needed) -

$11 Lutz 6-in-One Screwdriver - Orange

https://www.amazon.com/Lutz-6-in-One-Screwdriver-Orange/dp/B07D913ZD7


With a screwdriver, trim tool, speakers, mount adapters, and wire adapters this is a quick, plug and play process. There is no fabrication or splicing. even the polarity (+ and -) is set and done with the adapters, using two different size connectors, just as comes on the speakers.


The first step is to take the door panel off. I will recommend you watching TacomaHolics youtube video on this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QcsTwIpyVK8


There are two screws, and one clip to remove. Both screws are behind small plastic flaps, use your trim tools. One behind the large door handle, and one behind the small one that opens the door.



The pin is in the part of the door panel is near the tweeter. Use a screwdriver to push the middle part. It is then able to be pulled out with a trim tool.

Photo from tacoma holics video:



Pull of the plastic triangular piece, starting at the top. It simply pulls off, and pushes back on.




With both screws, and the clip in a safe spot, we can pull the door panel. I find it best to start using four fingers, pull the panel on the lower corner close to the cab. Pull until you hear an audible noise. Now pull every few inches along both sides and the bottom of the panel. Be sure its all unclipped. The door panel will now lift up and off the door. Set it aside in a safe spot where it wont get damaged.



You can now unplug the stock speaker, pressing down on the little tab in the connector. Take out all 4 screws holding it in, and keep for later. The old speakers are generally trash, but maybe somebody on the forum wants them.



Now you need to screw the new speakers into their mounting adapters. The speakers come with 4 screws for each. Use all 4, it should look like this:



Feed the wire through the routing hole in the mounting frame. You need to connect the two wires from the adapter, into the speaker. This setup uses two different size connectors, simply connect them where they fit. use the 4 screws from earlier to screw the frame into the door. Plug in the connecter, be sure they clip together correctly. It should now look like this:




Congrats! You’re essentially done.


Now you need to reinstall the door panels, and throw some music at this.

Start the door panel installation by sliding in the top part, so the window seals line up with the window. Carefully push it on, and give it a good hit all around the outside so the clips attached. You should be able to hear the clips attached. Put in the small pin by the doorframe, both screws, and the flaps that cover them.


Repeat for the other door


Enjoy your newfound audio quality!!

Speaker test:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gy0TwaFPT_0

Please give me some feedback below!

If you have any concerns about doing this yourself i'm glad to assist you, leave a message.

 

what about the rear ones and the tweeter?

 

He went with a coax speaker in the front door so most of his highs are at his legs. For that price on a speaker replacement, you won’t get a component set with separate mid bass and tweeter.
There are many other options if you want better sound for a little more money