$2k and no new head unit. Damn it gets expensive FAST.

Not much to see JL vx800/8i tucked under the drivers seat, ran all new speaker wire to the factory locations. Did what I'd call a 'Stage 1' sound deadening, with CLD and CCF in all 4 doors and along the rear wall of the cab. Built a single 10" box behind the rear seat on the driver side, covered in black carpet. Similar to Marv's boxes I'd guess, perhaps a touch larger physically. I couldn't get 1/2" europly baltic birch here so I used 3/4" mdf. As a result, I was concerned about air space so I made it as large as I could in that spot. It tucks under the pass side trim a little and goes further to the right side than most (you can see that extra part in the photo below). It also goes all the way to the back wall, with recesses for bolts and vents and all of that stuff that's coming off the wall. Installed the JL knob on the left side of the dash in an empty space there, it's the only hint that there's anything in there.

 

Looks clean. I too love the look of nothing there. Its like a "sleeper" but in the audio side of things. How does it sound? I dont need them to hear me coming down the block, but if we are sitting on a beach or in my driveway, i want it to bang, but also be crisp and clear. Was looking at the stealthbox and replacing other speakers and amps. Thats about 2500. If i can kick the stealthbox and do something similar to this, that saves hundreds.

 

Thanks! It’s not super loud, but it’s enough for me to crank up the bass for my old 90’s rap fix and dial back for everything else. But then, I’m only running 200 watts to a single 10” in a sealed box. Not much sound carry outside the vehicle. If you wanted much more out of a w1, I’d look at 300-400 watts. I’m a huge fan of a well/over powered single sub. JL subs in particular respond really well to being overpowered. There’s lots of options with the Tacoma, it just depends on how far you want to take it. There’s room for 3 12’s back there if you go all the way across the back and stick the amps elsewhere. A pair of 10’s or 12’s is easy along with an amp rack in back as well if you like that look, or a pair on the pass side with the amps hidden away somewhere.

If I were to start over, I’d probably use the vx600/6i instead and get 500 watts to a 10w3 with a second amp. But I’m really happy as is, it’s simple and sounds very clean with enough volume to entertain me now and then.

 

Just installed Pioneer DMH-1500Nex for a big $350 Cdn including install on sale. Apple CarPlay works great, Gaia map app is handy offroading.
I might add a alpine or pioneer compact power pack amp later on.

 

I did the speaker upgrade and really liked it. A month later I bought the JL sub and had a shop install it with a 500w amp. The amp and labor was just under $800. The sub, although not a head turner while driving down the street, really brings out the bass guitar and drums and to me is the missing piece to the stereo puzzle. And I'm running the stock HU which performs fine using the sirius radio.

 

Finally got all of my parts to install my amp and sub. Should get it finished up in the next day or two. Made my own T-Harness so I don’t have to cut into the OEM wiring. Hopefully I wired it correctly. Never had a system with a sub in it.

 

I have less than $1000 in the entire install, counting the sub box, wiring, connections etc...

Looks completely stock, sound absolutely nothing at all like stock.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/3rd-gen-new-audio-build-thread.552764/

 

i think im a little less than $800 in only because i was able to repurpose my old Tweeters and amp for my Sundown SD4, but i still need to get a HU thats easily $1200 with the maestro

 

That’s one reason I’m sticking with the stock head unit unless it dies.

Because if it does die, whatever I put in will be very nice, and very not nice to my wallet.

 

So the audio shop wanted $500 to install my amp and sub. I didn’t want to spend that much so I decided to do it myself. Well I sure showed them up! It only cost me $490 in materials and new tools, 4 hours of my life and I will have to say a lot of hail Marrys to get into heaven. I think I even scared the dog.

 

Post some pics.

 

On the upside, now you have the tools and experience.

 

Just curious, what are you listening to that requires all the upgrades?

 

80s and 90s hard rock mostly. Some audiobooks.

 

So the fancy new T-Harness I made does not fit any of the factory connectors. Sigh. I ordered the

$12 Metra 71-1761 87 - 94 Toyota Vehicle Harness

Metra 71-1761 and

$8 70-1761 Radio Wiring Harness For Toyota 87-Up Power 4 Speaker

70-1761. Is this not the correct aftermarket connectors?
This is for a 2021 8” HU Non-JBL.

 

After the new wiring harness comes in I should be able to knock it out pretty quick. I’ll post up the pitch this coming weekend.

 

@destin_meeks , did anyone ever figure out what specific pieces someone needs to make a post 2019 T harness? I know Toyota changed the connectors in 2020, not sure if anyone ever found a resolution.

 

The cheapest option I remember seeing is the taco tunes add a sub harness, and just make sure to put in the correct year. You also need to run power to the battery with a 10awg amp power kit.

 

I think i'm at around $1,200 for:

- ID door speakers/tweeters/crossovers
- ID IDQv4 10" sub and box
- ID 150.2 amp for the door speakers
- Alpine 500.1 amp for the sub
- AudioControl LoC
- All misc cabling/bits and pieces to make it all work

System bumps and still using the OEM head unit. Could probably use some finer tuning (i tried based off YouTube videos). All install labor was done by me with the help of this fine forum.

 

i don't keep track. it's a hobby, not a day job.