2005 Subwoofer replacement?

[Dennis94XLT]

The subwoofer that came with my Audiophile system is pretty weak sounding. I'm hoping to find a replacement for it - does anyone know if there is one? I checked with Crutchfield - they have none. I don't know of any other sources. The guy at Crutchfield said there was very little I could do with the system installed. The bass is pretty sorry compared to my last Explorer (94) with a MTX sub in the back. I don't shake windows - just want decent bass.

Any ideas or suggestions are welcome!

 

[snickstx]

What I would like to do in my '03.......

Replace factory sub w/this.
Try to squeeze this and this behind the factory panel.
Dynomat.
Fabricate a bi-directional harness between the HU and the new amp in order to utilize the factory wiring to the speakers.
Replace speakers w/these.
Add the TV Tuner for the kids.

I'm not sure if it can be done, but I'm going to give it a shot. I'm looking for SQL mainly but a little SPL once in a while doesn't hurt. Any comments?

 

[Dennis94XLT]

Why are you putting two amps in back? I understand putting in one but two is more power than I need (I think).

Can you translate "Fabricate a bi-directional harness between the HU and new amp..." into plain dumb tech english. I have an electrical engineering degree and I also have the shop manuals for my truck and a very good understanding of the radio - but I still don't know what you mean. I don't want to replace the door speakers - I only want to replace the subwoofer and I realize that means a new amp but why would you also make a new harness between the head unit and the new amp? Where would you connect it?
Thanks.
Dennis

 

[snickstx]

Regarding the door speakers....I want replace mine for better SQL. I know this might be flawed logic since I will still be using the factory HU but every little bit helps.

Because of this, I would like to add an aftermarket amp for the mains as well as the sub. I have been unable locate a reasonably priced 4.1 amp, although I haven't searched a bunch yet.

Because of all of this and a desire to reduce cutting I have a need for a specialized harness. Basically, it plug into the HU, run to the back to the amp(s) then return back to the dash and plug into the factory harness. This would save me the trouble or pulling the enitre interior and to return to OE with minimal effort.

Everybody is different and our individual desires show that. Good luck on (re)building your sub.

BTW, looks like JL has some good looking smaller subs that might fit.

 

[bmusgrove]

Just did it on my 03 EB Explorer - Replaced the factory sub with the JL Audio 8w3v2-d2. With the manafacture of a 3/4 inch MDF spacer ring, it fits the factory sub box. I will later fiberglass this box to stiffen it and explore using a 10 inch sub. Alpine MRPF450 under the passenger seat (it barely fits, whatever amp you use cannot be more than 10 inches wide or it will not fit the EB fold away seats) for power. At the suggestion of the local installers (based on their experience) I tapped the factory sub amp output for my signal input to the Alpine amp. You can use a aftermarket line level convertor or the High Level inputs built into the Alpine. The factory sub inputs will not drive a aftermarket amp. Still looking for a amp turn on, as the factory sub amp turn on wire will not turn both the factory amp and the After market. I hope to use the factory DVD wiring as I have the connectors (no DVD installed though) but my wiring colors do not match the wiring diagram so I can verify.....

What I would like to do in my '03.......

Replace factory sub w/this.
Try to squeeze this and this behind the factory panel.
Dynomat.
Fabricate a bi-directional harness between the HU and the new amp in order to utilize the factory wiring to the speakers.
Replace speakers w/these.
Add the TV Tuner for the kids.

I'm not sure if it can be done, but I'm going to give it a shot. I'm looking for SQL mainly but a little SPL once in a while doesn't hurt. Any comments?

 

[Dennis94XLT]

Bmusgrove: Measure the power signal that currently turns on the factory subwoofer with a volt meter. Then, buy a relay from RadioShack. You'll need a double-pole relay that trips using the voltage you measured. You can then feed 12 volts through one side of the relay to turn on your aftermarket amp, and loop the power that tripped the relay over to the other side of the relay to turn on the OEM amp. That will turn both on.
You mentioned fiberglass reinforcement - do you have a rattle problem now using the JBL subwoofer or do you expect to have one only if you install a larger speaker?

Thanks,
dennis

 

[bmusgrove]

Dennis and I have corresponded privately, so I'll post a quick summary in case iot helps someone else

I found a unused harness next to the sub connector with switched 12 volt power. It is the connector for the Low Tire Pressure sensor unit. I will use it for amp turn on.
I was looking at Fiberglass reinforcement to stiffen the box, hoping that 1) it will help the boominess of the new JL 8" in the factory box and 2) to see if I can eke it out large enough to fit a 10 or dual 8's in the factory area.
it (using a junkyard box for this experiment of course.

It has turned out a little boomy, with it being very obvious theres is a sub over your right shoulder. Tweaking the amp sensitivity, gain and bandpass is helping, and I hope to pin that down over the nextweek or so, getting rid of the boominess and getting the tight bass I prefer.