2004 Eddie Bauer Explorer Audio

[2004Explorer]

Okay guys,
I have a few questions;

1. what size\brand of aftermarket sub can be concealed behind the factory panel.

2. how do you remove the factory sub panel.

3. do you Need to upgrade the factory amp to power an aftermarket sub.

4. do you need to upgrade the factory amp that powers the mid \ highs. if you install aftermarket speakers.

i'm looking for a decent sound system, i understand that its not going to blow me away i just want better than what i have.

Thanks for your input guys!

 

[jdog0411]

I can help a little...

Hey, I have/had the same questions....I have a 2003 XLT with the premium sound and subwoofer. I am in the process of switching it out as well.

I learned the hard way that the panel that covers the sub in the rear is just a facade...the panel does NOT come off. I learned that by being an idiot and trying to rip it off when it fact it is "welded" to the rest of the trim panel. And oh, by the way, they don't sell the cover either, you have to replace the entire rear trim panel to fix :fire: Anyway, the only way to get to it is to remove the entire rear right trim panel. The sub itself is an 8" with a small amplifier right next to it. The space in there is pretty shallow, I really don't think you are going to get a very large or decent quality sub to fit behind the standard enclosure....you would not get an enclosure back there anyway. The sub is also bolted from the rear to the quarter panel, so to get it out you have to have access to the rear of the sub (you can get to it with the trim panel removed).

I would replace the factory amp to power any new sub you install...the factory one isn't going to be high quality and it uses a harness to connect to the sub from the head unit, so you would have to splice the wires to attach any aftermarket sub. By the way, you will also lose the factory sub if you upgrade your head unit, because the factory head unit uses a separate connector for the sub that won't exist on the new head unit.

I don't know if the factory headunit powers the satellite speakers or if there is another amp that does that (or if the same amp that powers the sub powers the satellites....but initially I had the factory speakers replaced and left everything else alone and the new speakers still sounded halfway decent.

So far, what I have done with my EX is replaced the factory speakers in all four locations with Infinity Kappa's (factory size is 5 x 7 by the way)..and switched out the factory head unit with a Pioneer DEH-7600MP. So far so good...just need to figure out what to do with the sub and some amps and I will be good to go. I think I am going to rip out the factory sub and put some kind of custom enclosure in that area (not inside but in front of somehhow) I don't know...should be pretty simple, so far nothing too complicated.

I've had the EX torn up quite a bit so if you need any help with door panel removals, etc..let me know. There doesn't seem to be a whole lot of information out there on Gen 3 explorers.

 

[2004Explorer]

Thanks A LOT!!!

Thanks a lot for your reply, it answered all of my questions. I guess I going to have to come up with something inventive for that rear sub area because I want better sound but don't really want to give up the cargo space.

I guess it might come down to being one or the other!!!

 

[tworedballs]

I, too, have a Gen 3 Explorer and am facing the same dilema. I was wondering what the size of the OEM sub was so I could look for one with similar depth so that I could just swap it out. I don't really want to have to remove the panel to find out myself and then have to put it back on 'til I find the right sub then go through it all over again. Any info on that would be great!

 

[jdog0411]

The OEM sub is an 8 inch. You have to take the entire trim panel out to get to it...I know it looks like there is a cover that you can take off to get to it, but that is only appearances. It doesn't come off, take it from someone who learned that the hard way

The sub is bolted to the body of the truck, so you also can't remove it from the front. You have to have complete access to it by removing the trim panel. The assembly includes a plastic baffle that serves as an enclosure, and a small amp is located next to it. You can try to find a sub that will fit back there, but there isn't a lot of space. Almost any quality aftermarket sub will be too deep, especially when you consider any type of enclosure. Also, if you upgrade your headunit you will lose the factory sub anyway due to how it is connected. I'm sure you can find a way to get it back, but my question would be why?

I'm going to be messing around with it today actually, so let me know if you need any other information about it.

 

[jdog0411]

I'll take some digital photo's of all of this and post them for reference....

 

[argetim]

2002 Explorer

I dont know if my 02 Explorer has a sub or not, how could I find out? Also, I am wanting to install 1 or 2 subs but dont want to give up the 3rd seat to do it, as you all know space is limited with the seat up. Any suggestions?? I have seen a box that was made for the 01 explorer that had a 10 in sub in it and it replaced that storage pocket in the back with the net on it, but it wont work in the 02....Please help hubby is getting antsy and wants to start this.

 

[jdog0411]

You will have a panel on the right side of your cargo area where the sub is. If you have no panel there, you don't have it. If you want to be absolutely sure, turn on the stereo and put your ear up to the right side cargo trim panel...you'll hear bass coming out of the grill or you won't.

Also, you are correct, JL Audio makes a box with a 10" sub in it and it's called a stealth box. They do fit '02 Explorers...they actually fit 02 and up Explorers. The only caveat is that if you have the third seat, you probably have the rear air conditioning, and it will NOT fit Explorers with rear air. It also sells for about 500-600 bucks, so it ain't cheap, but it does look like a factory look.

I get more and more happy everyday that I didn't choose the third seat option