Amp and speaker upgrade questions

[BHolm]

I want to ad an amp and change the factory speakers out on my '06. Has anybody removed the dash pieces successfully to access the radio? I am just looking for some tips so that I do not break the fancy plasti wood. I plan to use an amp that takes speaker level inputs so I need acces to the back of the head unit to splice the wires in. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[ENafziger]

Yes, I put a system in my '06 a few months back. Do a search for '06 radio or bezel removal, and I think there are some pretty good explanations. Best I remember, you have to start by pulling out the plastic cup holder piece around the shifter. With some of this stuff removed, there are 2 or 3 screws that come in from the bottom of the bezel. After these are removed, the woodgrain bezel snaps out, but you have to pull pretty hard.



As for connecting an amp via the speaker level inputs coming from the back of the radio unit, I'm almost certain that you won't be able to control the volume anymore using the radio volume knob or steering wheel controls (if you have them). There is a factory amp behind the glovebox. The radio volume knob controls the volume level of the speakers by changing the output of the amp, if that makes any sense. If you want to maintain use of the volume controls, you have to tie into the speaker wires on the output side of this amp.



It seems like the wires are pretty hard to get to at the amplifier itself. The easiest thing would be to tie into the wires closer to the speakers themselves.



Let me know if I can help... --Eric

 

[DeezelDood]

Search "dash removal" for some good posts

I've had mine out few times:

a. Remove rubber cup holder and plastic sunglass bin.

Remove (3) ea 8mm hex screws on drive shaft hump (two on passenger side, one driver side) 5/16 6-point socket works fine. Pull out this section.

b. Remove (2) more 8mm hex screws on drive shaft hump. These hold down the center console section that is under the center dash recess section. Pull out this section.

c. On Mega Cab (only) this also holds down the backseat AC duct. Duct will impede removal of center recess section. Simple slip joint. Slide out this duct.

d. Remove two black 7mm screws (cross point screwdriver also works). Pull the center recess section straight down. It's clipped in, just a good tug.

e. Remove two more 7mm/philips screws, one each pointing up under cig lighter and power socket. Hard to see but you can feel them with your fingers.

f. Starting on edge next to shifter, slowly snap out the center panel. The SLT wood grain, or Laramie silver, panel does not come off, it is permanently attached to the center panel. There are eight or so spring clips that will be difficult at first, buy you should be able to ease out the panel with your fingers. Avoid using a screw driver. If you have automatic, to remove the panel pull the spring loaded shifter towards you for clearance.

f. You can hang the panel on the wires, or disconnect the harnesses. I left the harnesses connected and rested the panel on a towel to prevent scratches.

g. Radio is held in with (4) black 7mm/philips screws. Radio is clipped in but pops out with a good tug. Warning: The unique Dodge antenna plug on back of radio will pull apart if you are not careful. Be sure to grab the black plastic housing when removing!

 

[BHolm]

First off, sorry for posting in the wrong forum I was just looking in the no engine/trans discussions trying to figure out why my post wasn't there, now I know why... duh.



I am pretty sure mine doesn't have a factory amp, I have the simple four speaker system in my truck, not the 7 speaker faux "Infinity" system. If it does have an amp, it must be a sad excuse for one:-laf



Thanks for the tips though guys. I will start at the bottom by the shifter and work my way up.



Can anyone confirm that my four speaker version has or does not have the factory amp? I do not have steering wheel controls either.



I want to keep the head unit as I like the built in Sirius, Aux plug for my ipod and single cd. Besides, when I am done it will still look totally stock but should sound much better, sort of like the straight pipe in the exhaust.

 

[BHolm]

Crutchfield tech says no factory amp in my system, and no issues with the speaker level inputs. I ordered the gear, and naturally, if they are wrong, they will get it back If it works, it sure will be nice to be able to hear the music with the windows down though.

 

[K5IP]

I am not sure how the newer radios are made (mine is a 95) but when I tried doing this, I found the amplifier I was trying to install, (Alpine), effectively tied the low side of both channels of the radio speaker outputs together. The result was terrible because the right and left channel outputs were made to be floated, not grounded or made common with each other.

If your new amp has completely isolated (floated) input channels, including the low side, you won't have a problem. Be sure to check.

Rog

 

[DeezelDood]

Good luck with the upgrade. I've been working down a "honey do" list on my horse property for about 6 months. As soon as I get time I'm calling Crutchfied to order some Polk Audio speakers. My SLT trim stock radio/speakers are marginal at best. I hear that the Infinity speakers are o. k. , but there is nothing like the aftermarket to improve sound. Not sure about the amp yet, but I'll work my way up.

 

[BHolm]

My experience has been that replacing speakers works well enough IF you have enough power to drive them with the stock head unit. Unfortunately, unless you already have the higher end system in the truck, the stock head unit and new speakers is not going to be much improvement.



I am not going wild at all on this truck, just enough to improve the sound quality and volume level. I am going to use a small 40wx4 amp and middle of the road speakers. For under $400 I know it is going to be a huge improvement.



I had the big daddy Infinity system in the Mega, worked pretty well for a stock system, didn't feel the need to upgrade that one. This basic 4 speaker system in my QC is pretty weak though.