2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Audio Questions

[stlowry]

I'm gearing up to do a complete sound system in my truck and was wondering if anyone can tell me the best way to run new speaker wire to the front doors. I also remember reading about someone that was buiding speaker boxes to replace the center console. I searched the archives but didn't find anything. Anyone know who this guy is? I've looked at the JL Audio boxes but I'd like to see what else is available. Any tips or pointers before I start this project would be appreciated.

 

[DRAG DIESEL]

To get the new cable into the doors, just use a fiberglass fish tape. Don't know what kind of wattage your wanting to run for highs/mids/mid bass but I would pull at leat 6-10gauge leads, if your at all serious about audio.



The JL "stealth box" is a sweet unit, it came up pretty flat on the RTA to down to arround 50hz. The stock speaker that comes in the box is alright, but I do plan to upgrade mine when time allows.



Tips and pointers, take your time. And if your not comfortable get to be good friends with the "one dollar install" shops and they can make your stuff look pretty good.



I am outfited with an Alpine CDA-9855 Head Unit, 1"-6. 5" MB Quart Separates, 5x7 Boston Acoustics, 6x9 Boston Acoustics, Alpine I-Pod Link KCA-420I, JL Stealth Box, Alpine MRD-M605, 2-Alpine MRV-F545, 2 Farad Cap



Feel free to ask any questions you may have about audio, it's my living... and not the car stuff...

 

[Mike252001]

factory wire is good stuff never had to rewire for any of my upgrades the only extra wire i need was to the box ubder the back seat.

 

[stlowry]

The boot that the wires run through to the door has a plug on the cab side. It's like part of the harness, not just a tube that more wires can be added through.

 

[delliott]

I just spliced into the existing wires at the kick panels to use the factor wire that ran into the front doors. If you have the factory Infinity radio, then you have 18 ga wire, which should more then suffice for the 12 inch run from the kick panel to the speaker. If you're really concerned, there are two other pairs of 18 ga wire that were originally used for the rear speakers that run inside the front doors, which you would no longer be using once you get rid of the factory amplifiers inside the front doors. You could combine the three pairs together.



If you don't have the Infinity radio, then you only have one set of wires to use, which are 18 ga on the inside of the connector at the kick panel, but turn into 20 ga on the other side. Still, considering the length of wire at that gauge, that should be more than sufficient.



Here's a link to the guy on Ebay building the subwoofer boxes to replace the center console: http://cgi.ebay.com/Dodge-Ram-Custo...ryZ50565QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

 

[stlowry]

Thank you for the info. I think I can take it from here.

 

[jdooner]

stlowry. .

How did you end up doing the wiring to your speakers and what speakers did you use?

I have a 98. 5 qc and have an Eclipe head unit on the way, plan on replacing the speakers, adding an amp, etc. and could benefit from your experience and recommendations, if you don't mind.

Thanks in advance,

jdooner

 

[TSBrown]

replaced head unit,front and rear speakers,and put 10" kicker sub in the quad doors. also mounted 2 kicker amps under rear seat. have pics in readers rigs. if you have any questions i'll try to help if i can.