JL Audio Stealthbox installation

[Magicland]

Has anybody installed one of these in an explorer that came with the JBL system? I picked one up for $25 on Craigslist, and after pulling the trim panel it's apparent that in order to install the darned thing, I'm going to have to take out the factory sub amp. If you've already done this, where did you move it to? And does the main amp have to be moved as well? AFAIK, I'm not using the main amp (got a Kenwood HU), but was using the factory sub amp to power the factory sub until it blew (I think the old glue that held the foam to the plastic cone let go), and I think the sub amp is getting its power from the main one (or not, I'll have to find my wiring diagram again and check it). Anyway, if you've installed one of these, what did you do with the original stuff? Thanks.

 

[Anime]

You'd be making your life a LOT easier and not risk blowing whatever sub you put in the box if you get an aftermarket sub amp and just run the RCAs to it, and get a amp install kit to power it. The factory amp has such high distortion and such little power, the combination is just bad.

You can probably find room behind the panel to mount the sub amp, especially if you get a smaller one. Theres quite a few 1-channel and bridgeable 2-channel amps from 90-300W that are very compact.

If you're on a budget, check ebay. Plenty of new sub amps for not alot of money. Be sure to get a good brand name, though.

 

[toypaseo]

I do have a Alpine MRP-T220 for sale, if you want to get ambitious and wire in an aftermarket amp.

50x2 @ 4ohm
70x2 @ 2ohm
140x1 @ 4ohm
250 MAX

Never overheated. Never pushed hard. Currently retired in my garage due to an upgrade. PM me if interested.

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c4/toypaseo/explorer sub/Alpine_MRP_T220.jpg

 

[Magicland]

Going with the factory sub amp for the moment (at least until it decides to fry itself). Turns out the main factory amp wasn't powering anything (at least not anything important). Unplugged everything from it, pulled it out, and I still had sound from all my speakers, along with the factory sub working the Stealthbox. After pulling out the main factory amp unit, I was able to remount the factory sub where it had been. That darned Stealthbox takes up a LOT of room, but the 10" JL sub sounds great, even with the factory sub amp.

Not having the template, I haven't bothered drilling through the floor for the Stealthbox's mounting bolts yet. Seems to be staying put pretty well without them, though I suppose it would make it harder to steal with them in there. Maybe when I get a load of free time (yeah, like that'll happen) I'll get around to it.

Now I'm preparing for the 3rd HU in the last month. Originally I had a Kenwood KDC-X790 (along with my Music Keg), but replaced that with a Kenwood DDX-7017 (that big dash opening was just screaming for a bigger HU). Wanted to add a nav unit, but got a great deal on ebay for a Kenwood DNX-7100 (which has the nav integrated into the HU). Fortunately, this swap-out should be pretty much plug-n-play with the exception of the nav antenna. Now I've gotta get both of the earlier HU's back up on ebay and make back some of the money I just spent on the DNX-7100... I was going to list the DDX-7017 on here, but it seems you can't post for sale items anymore unless you're an "Elite Explorer".