Finally installed my subwoofer upgrade

 So many projects, so little time... but I've been wanting to update my subwoofer and amp for as long as I've owned the truck - it's been six years!  LOL

Originally I had a Pioneer DVC subwoofer, but realized it was a 2 Ohm model and my amp, Kenwood KAC-M3001 was really built for 4 ohm so I opted to get a different subwoofer - the KICKER CompRT 8"(20cm) Subwoofer, DVC, 4-ohm  This would allow the amp to run at 2 Ohms @ 300W (giving me 50% more power than if I had used the Pioneer setup)

My son printed out a spacer on his 3D printer because the subwoofer was a bit too large at the mounting lip, but the spacer (about 3/4" thick) was perfect.  I also used some stuffing in the box and covered the box with Thermo-Tec which helps to clean up the boominess and give the bass a new dimension.

You can see the spacer, with 2 squishable gaskets (in white) between the box and the speaker

This is it fully mounted, 8 screws holding the spacer, and 8 screws holding the sub to the spacer

I used the existing wire run to use my new wires and a couple of push-tab that are normally used for automotive panels to hold them in place - worked great!  Ziptied them to ensure they don't move around.

Here's the mockup of the amp - I ran an 8 gauge wire from the battery to the amp, and grounded the amp to the bolt at the bottom of the cabin.

here you can see the subwoofer box with new Kicker subwoofer fully mounted with the Thermo-Tec sound deadener

with the seat all the way up, there is PLENTY of room between the speaker and the back of the seat

I re-used the wiring from the OEM amplifier to feed the new AMP - here are the colors on both sides of the connectors

I then snipped the ends, and wire the +/- wires into some RCA connectors

Overall, very happy with the sound.  I turned up the sensitivity (gain) and dialed in the cutoff around 80-85Hz and it sounds amazing!  Much different bass from the OEM setup. Highly recommended!!

$600 for a premium sound system - is it possible?

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The Sony Sound system in the 802a package is pretty nice, but it's lacking in clarity and needs a little more 'punch' on the low end... so I have a fun DIY project that I'll be pursuing...

While I'm not an audophile, I do enjoy music and if you have long trips - may as well be good to your ears!  :)

Here's the running list of parts - the total cost is about $570 which includes enough Dynamat to cover the whole inside of the truck!

Here's the thread that started my quest! http://www.fordraptorforum.com/f266/diy-stereo-upgrade-under-%24500-00-a-53213/

Some Dynamat to install around the doors and other places...

In recent discoveries, you'll need 2 x of the Dynamat kits, or you can go with the Noico for cheaper!

   

Ok, let's talk speakers - this is what 'talks' to you - right?  In doing some research, the Pioneer A-series are the 'bang for the buck' and at these prices, I don't see how you can go wrong!

Front Doors are 6x9 with brackets

 

Rear Doors are 6.5" with brackets

Front pillars have 7/8" tweeters (need a brace for them), and the center dash uses a 3 1/2" speaker

 

Now we need the subwoofer, amplifier and wiring!  This retrofits into the existing subwoofer cabinet.