2014 Double Cab Entune Nav (no JBL) Audio upgrade, keeping the head unit

I used the port length suggested by Rockford Fosgate.

Yes, I will be carpeting it but I'm no pro at it. There are some YouTube videos that show how to do it but I'll try to take some pics.

 

Here's how I'm securing the sub to the rear wall. I found one of those brackets in a prime spot and cut a length of threaded rod, then fitted a nut behind the bracket.



I located it by placing the sub box against the back wall as far back as it would go, then smacking it with a mallet right in front of where the bolt is. The bolt end left a mark on the back of the box where I need to drill. I can fit this before mounting the speaker, and I'll use some caulking on the large fender washer to ensure the hole is plugged.

 

GENIUS!!

 

And no, that was not sarcasm. I think i might do something similar. If i had to remove the box, just take out the sub first....then that bolt.

 

Interesting thread as I just purchased a 2014 with the premium entunes. My question is do you think the JBL speakers from a previous model taco will plug right in to replace the factory installed cheap speakers? Basically I am hoping just to upgrade all my speakers and add a sub all from a 2009 JBL taco equipted unit.

 

I have no idea. My opinion though is that the JBL gear is probably not that much better than stock.

 

Thanks. I could have taken it a step further though- if I had moved the speaker to the right a bit I could have run that mounting rod straight through the front of the box, which would have braced the hell out of it.

 

Got the sub finished and installed, along with Raamat and Ensolite against the back wall. I didn't take pics of the carpeting because I botched it badly, I was working with scraps and it came out pretty rough. Good enough though, it won't show.

 

Awesome! How does it sound ported being behind the seat?

 

I only have the sub done, still need to install speakers, amp and DSP. No idea yet!

 

So, I knew these speakers were bad but holy crap, I couldn't believe how cheap they are. Molded plastic basket and mounting bracket all in one. The magnets don't have enough power to even pick up a nail.

 

Here's the front door. I did all of them similarly, Raamat with Ensolite over the top.





I was stumped on mounting the tweeters until I figured this out. I used duct strap, attached to the back of the tweeters, then bolted right into the original tweeter bracket.





I got all the door speakers installed, doors sound deadened, and all the wiring run. I still need to install the LOC and MiniDSP, and hook everything up. I'm beat after today. My hands are shredded- that Raamat is wicked sharp!

Couple installation notes: Watch the rear corner pillars, they take up a lot of space- make sure to take them into account when measuring subwoofer boxes and amp panels. And if you had the stealership turn off your keyless entry beep, it comes back once the battery has been disconnected.

 

So I had today free and clear to work on this, but forgot to order the mating wiring harness connector. Always something.

 

Looks great man, I might have to follow in your footsteps!

 

I took another major step forward and got the head unit, LOC and sub remote installed. I don't have the miniDSP hooked up yet, I have to borrow a laptop to set it up. Even without the DSP the sound is SO much better.

One disappointment is the remote for the sub for the Rockford Fosgate 600X5 amp- it doesn't work. The LED on the knob doesn't come on and it doesn't do diddly when I turn it. When I plug it into the amp it just cuts the level by a LOT.

An unexpected plus, and I'm not at all sure how this worked out, but the navigation voice is now much louder than the music, where before the install I could barely hear it if I had music playing. Maybe because I'm running just the front speaker outs to the amp?

 

I've rethought a couple of things. First, I tapped the rear speakers with a LOC to run to the sub, which allowed me to use a sub volume control. I'll use the front speakers with a LOC to go to the miniDSP, which will handle EQ and signal processing. Still trying to borrow a laptop to do all that.

 

I got everything wrapped up a while ago but haven't updated. There's a persistent hiss coming directly from the HU, which is what I was afraid of. Thinking know of trying a bitTEN.

Also, another note to anyone looking to change tire size or gears- think of getting a Hypertech or similar calibrator and installing it when you do the stereo, then run a long USB cable from it to some convenient spot. No sense in ripping the dboard apart twice- those plastic connectors aren't meant for repeated dismantling.

 

So after living with this setup for a while, it's a huge improvement over stock but I'm still not blown away. The hiss goes away with turning down gain at either the LOC, DSP or amp. It's still there behind the music but not nearly so noticeable. The trouble seems to be the sound signal or my speakers. They are decent at 89spl but they start falling apart when pushed. The mid bass drops out with volume. Still, good enough for now.