2016 Tacoma Double Cab Upgraded Audio: What I learned

I read quite a few threads that posted up great information regarding upgrading the speakers in the 2016 Tacoma.

Here are a couple good threads:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/tampabayrays-infernoaudiochangeout.407945/
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/gen-3-stereo-upgrade.403315/

This video from OEM audio shows how to take apart the body panels without damaging them:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c37zgaUQsVo

Here are my tips:

1. I was able to run fresh wire through the door by removing a plug and drilling a small hole through the body. I did not cut ANY OEM wires to do my install.


2. It's hard to find good wire. Here is what I used:

Mediabridge™ 14AWG 2-Conductor Speaker Wire (100 Feet, White) - 99.9% Oxygen Free Copper – ETL Listed & CL2 Rated for in-Wall Use (Part# SW-14X2-100-WH)

http://www.amazon.com/14AWG-2-Condu...&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s01

$57 TEMCo INDUSTRIAL WC0190-30' (15' Blk, 15' Red) 4 Gauge AWG Welding Lead & Car Battery Cable Copper Wire Black + RED | Made in USA

http://www.amazon.com/TEMCo-Welding...&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00

3. I originally mounted the tweeters in the dash like OEM. That sounded terrible and I couldn't figure out why. The tweeters were overpowering and the mids were too quiet. I then read the manual on the components and created new mounts with the tweeters in the door. The mounts aren't show quality, but they sound great. I used one stock speaker as a teplate and cut the MDF on my router. These are Infinity Kappa Perfect components. http://www.amazon.com/Infinity-PERF...&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00


4. I wanted to mount my old JBL Power 1020 10" sub, but it's not one of the pancake subs I see alot of guys using. Here is the sub in the space behind the seat:



I made it work by creating the most intricate box I have ever made. I'm not expert, but here is what I came up with:



I had to create a countersink on the back side so the sub would drop in and have a little space behind it for air movement:



Here is the sub in the box ready to go in the truck:


5. I also covered the doors and back wall with Rammat. It isn't a night-and-day difference, but the sound the doors make when I close them is a much more solid sound than before. I bought 75 sq.ft. but 50 sq.ft. would have been plenty. http://www.amazon.com/FatMat-Self-A...&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00

It sounds amazing and the box fits like a glove.

If you are interested, I am using some old JBL amps: 180.2 under the driver's seat and a 600.1 under the passenger seat. The best part is that these amps accept a high level input so I didn't need a line out converter or sound processor. I am able to slide both seats as far forward or back as I want to.