Newbie installing HU and Subs/Amp in 97 Exp XLT

[williams31]

I want to install an aftermarket HU and a pair of subs with an amp in my 97 Explorer XLT. It has the cd changer in the center console and the amp in the back.

I want to bypass the amp and just have my speakers powered by my HU. Ive read that installing these things in this vehicle is a little different than most others. Ive done searches to try and understand exactly what I have to do but usually the threads are about a specific problem, not a step by step.

I would greatly appreciate it if someone can give me a decent step by step on how to install my HU and subs/amp and bypass the factory amp that it came with.

It doesn't have to be insanely detailed. I know how to install these components in most vehicles. I just need to know the specific things I have to do to get these in my Explorer. Thanks

 

[sjr033]

If you search for bypass factory amp you get many threads. I know I would just run new speaker wire to the doors directly from the HU and the rca's from the HU to the amp. That way you are not even messing with the factory stuff.

 

[williams31]

If you search for bypass factory amp you get many threads. I know I would just run new speaker wire to the doors directly from the HU and the rca's from the HU to the amp. That way you are not even messing with the factory stuff.

Is there any way I can install all this stuff without having to run new speaker wires. I don't really have the time to do all that.

 

[OMGLOLetcetc]

Im pretty certain, but not 100% that there is a seperate wire that goes from Factory Head>Factory Amp>Factory Sub.
If you dont hook up that wire and just use a aftermarket basic harness, you'll be good to go. The basic harness will not have the connections for the factory amp. I just did an install and just snipped the factory amp harness because I wasnt using it.
Its just going to be like a simple install...You dont have to bypass anything really...you just dont use the factory amp harness.

 

[anti*commander]

I think the factory headunit has a built in amplifier that drives the 5x7 speakers and the amplifier that you are worried about having to bypass drives the factory sub.

If you are installing aftermarket subs in a separate box, then i think all you need to do is get an generic wiring harness and wire up the headunit like normal, you should have a plug left over that doesnt connect to the new headunit (this is the wire that drives the woofer and goes to the amp)

Then install the aftermarket subs like usual, running rca to the amp and whatnot.

If i am wrong, i do have this converter box thingy that cruchfield sent me when i got my new headunit, its supposed to be used to bypass the amplifier without running new wires to the doors. i can send this out to you, just pay for shipping.