Quick questions about a new audio system install.

[shipwreck17]

Hey guys I have an old audio system from my last car that I want to install in my 2003 explorer.

It consists of Infinity 6.5" component speakers
infinity 6x8 rear speakers
600w 4 channel amp
alpine head unit

I also plan to buy an 8" sub and amp to put in the stock enclosure.
I also want to use the Axxess aswc unit to retain the stock steering wheel controls.

Whats the cheapest wiring harness I can use? I saw one for about $30 but I think it was to reuse the stock amps. I'm not using any of the stock equipment and really just need to power the head unit.

Should I buy the adapter plates to put component speakers in the front doors. If so any recommendation?

Do I need anything special to install the Axxess unit? I have not seen how it installs yet. I thrilled to find it as the buttons are nice but the stock speakers are lacking and my cd player is dead...

Thanks guys I cant wait to get this all hooked up. I'm also trying to find a good place to hide the amps. I have seen them on the floor in front of the third row and may have to go that route but I would really love to get them under the 2nd row seats. I know a small sub amp will fit there but I have doubts about the 4 channel .

 

[Anime]

The cheapest harness for a 2003+ Explorer is in the For Sale section of this site..and it's just $1. It's also been pre-shortened so you won't have a mess of wires behind the head unit.

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=246777


JBL and Infinity both make a nice 8" that will work for the stock enclosure, though a slightly shallower Pioneer/Premier unit might fit better...but is twice as expensive.

The Axxess unit should plug and play...but maybe someone who's installed one in their 2000+ can let you know for sure, or you could contact Axxess directly through e-mail or call and check for sure before buying.

You'll want the adapter plates if putting the components in the stock front speaker locations, the only other choice is to use kick panel pods.

 

[shipwreck17]

I just noticed that the axxess unit plugs into a 3.5mm port. I wanted to use that input for my aux (ipod) If i put a Y on the port will it work w/ both the steering wheel controls and aux in. Id rather give up the wheel controls than aux in..

Anime I sent you pm about the wiring harness.

 

[fedyfedz]

the sub you want to put in the enclosure will not have enough power from the factory amp. and since the sub will be opened in the enclosure it will not sound as good. i ended up buying one 12inch tma sub by JL audio and putting it behind third row and mounted amp on back seat. this allowed me to keep the stock sub the car came with and have an additional one. If you really wanted to put in the enclosure to replace stock sub you would probably need to run a bigger amp for it and make it so the sub is enclosed and not just opened some modification will be needed. there is a post on here somewhere of someone making a custom setup behind there but it wont come cheap. my setup cost me 325 for everything, and works wonders. so technically i have a 12inch sub and the stock ****ty sub running at the same time.

 

[shipwreck17]

Oh sorry, I'm not planning on using the stock amp at all. Right now I'm thinking an Infinity Reference 860W and a SoundStorm 2F600 amp

In Joe Dirts writeup he used a less powerful jl audio sub and 400w amp but he was using stock door speakers. The sub / amp combo I picked is a little more powerful.

 

[fedyfedz]

gotcha you might be able to mount an amp or something behind the third row where the jack goes for the spare, might have to move the jack somehwere else.

 

[shipwreck17]

Thats not a bad idea. I've also thought about removing the 3rd row seat and then hiding the amps there and building a flat false floor on top of them. I could probably even build in another storage compartment. I might need some fans to keep them from over heating though.

 

[Blaylock]

the sub you want to put in the enclosure will not have enough power from the factory amp. and since the sub will be opened in the enclosure it will not sound as good. i ended up buying one 12inch tma sub by JL audio and putting it behind third row and mounted amp on back seat. this allowed me to keep the stock sub the car came with and have an additional one. If you really wanted to put in the enclosure to replace stock sub you would probably need to run a bigger amp for it and make it so the sub is enclosed and not just opened some modification will be needed. there is a post on here somewhere of someone making a custom setup behind there but it wont come cheap. my setup cost me 325 for everything, and works wonders. so technically i have a 12inch sub and the stock ****ty sub running at the same time.

I want to do exactly what you did, but maybe with a smaller sub like a 10 or an 8 inch, what would you recommend? I also have the 3rd row seat and use it frequently. Do you have a writeup or any pictures that I could use?

I just want a sub/amp that I can actually feel, but not something that shakes other cars. I have a Pioneer head unit and everything else is stock. I have a friend who works at Best Buy who can probably get me stuff for 1/2 off, but Best Buy does not carry JL Audio. If I don't go with Best Buy, then I would prefer JL, and I want to do the installation myself.

 

[fedyfedz]

I want to do exactly what you did, but maybe with a smaller sub like a 10 or an 8 inch, what would you recommend? I also have the 3rd row seat and use it frequently. Do you have a writeup or any pictures that I could use?

I just want a sub/amp that I can actually feel, but not something that shakes other cars. I have a Pioneer head unit and everything else is stock. I have a friend who works at Best Buy who can probably get me stuff for 1/2 off, but Best Buy does not carry JL Audio. If I don't go with Best Buy, then I would prefer JL, and I want to do the installation myself.

only get a 10 or 8 if your getting a JL or something better, one 12 is all u need and is perfect when i have my volume up at 20 which it bumps i can hear some slight bass from outside of the truck and defiantly isnt to much. i have it facing sideways towards the stock sub. the third row isnt locked in place but if u got a smaller box it might fit snug (doesnt bother me i dont sit back there. when i need to use the third word i turn the sub so its facing the back and the seat can be put all the way in the back position

 

[Blaylock]

Awesome, thanks for the pics. The inside of your Explorer looks a bit different than mine, is yours an XLS? Would mounting the amp on the enclosure be a good or a bad idea?

 

[fedyfedz]

Mines a 02 limited ive mounted many systems on the enclosure before if it fits it should be good.