Im installing a Kicker Key180.4 as part of my amp/speaker upgrade in my 2016 F150 SCREW, non-Sony audio system. I don't care for a subwoofer and will likely never have one - dont listen to that type of music. So I selected the Kicker Key180.4, which only drives 4 channels, and thus makes sense to mount up front using a parrot-type adapter harness. I will disconnect/remove the center speaker as the Key180.4 doesn't have a center channel or calibration of it.

I would like to install where I can see the display/settings switches with few panel/part removal(s), and/or where I can easily unmount the amp and pull it out a bit to see the display end while connected and operating (the rear panel has two lights on it as well as multiple functions on the front panel.). The mic must be plugged in for calibration of the signal processor upon initial installation. And I might want to recalibrate after any change later.

I also have two crossover boxes to install, probably near the amp or existing truck speaker signal harness. About 3x3x1 inch each. Not shown.

See potential places I have found in pix and my comments below.
Your experience? Comments? Discussion? Other places up front?

First: This is top center dash with tray removed. What is that apparently unused connector stuck in a white plastic holder in the center (I dont have Nav - is this for a GPS module or antenna?). Its mounting bracket is in the way (see next photo).


The amp with connectors installed on each end, and calibration mic plugged up, will not go in that area without cutting part of that plastic bracket out. (center speaker to be removed). Otherwise, this place would be great as it would allow access by just removing the top center tray. I don't want to permanently cut up my truck so this one is rejected.


Here is the amp in the cubbyhole where the owners manual normally goes behind the glovebox lid. Would have to put the manual elsewhere. Would have to cut a rectangular hole in the plastic in that area for connector pass through. Would have to manage a couple of feet of wire inside, or pushed/pulled thru the hole, as well to be able to pull it out for display access. I rejected this option for those reasons.


Here it is in the dash top center (looking down), hanging vertically behind the F150 main display. (display is at top of picture, with heat sink fins). This one is dimensionally tight due to radio being below and dash tray above, combined with added length of the amp connectors . Securing it looks like a problem due to access and I dont want it pushing on the fragile-looking connectors below. But I would consider fabricating a small bracket for it. Dash tray removal affords access. Im not ruling it out but it is my 2nd choice right now.


Here it is on the panel just above the passenger footwell. There is a nice flat plastic surface with only soundproofing behind that would accommodate four mounting screws. But anyone with big feet or restless legs might be kicking it and the connectors/wiring. So that's out.



There is quite a bit of room to the left of the drivers feet. Here is a possible area mounted low, just left of the big grommet thru the firewall. I already have an aux braking system installed so there are some wires and a vacuum line shown that are not stock. It doesn't lay flat on the metal so mounting would either require standoffs and drilled holes or creative zip tying. Also the bottom end is subject to being kicked. So im rejecting this.



Here is my current #1 choice. On left of drivers feet, up high, between two stock boxes. Probably zip-tied to one of those boxes (looks like it will be a challenge to get my hands in there). Wires would traverse across under the steering wheel and be routed so amp-mounting zip ties could be cut and it would just drop down to floorboard for access. There is quite a bit of room way up there the crossover boxes could be stuffed as well. Or they can be back behind the radio where their wires spliced into the parrot-type harness can be shorter. (Yes! I have black polybutylene from NOICO sound insulation under my thumbnail!)



This install would be a piece of cake if Kicker had made the control/indicator/settings panel a separate small module on a pigtail!
FLAME AWAY!

 

Why not behind the glove box? Open it, remove the things that hold it in place and place it back there. Can be fairly easily accessed, and is hidden from feet and water (if you live in a watery/snowy place)

 

Just above the glove box lid there is some space but the cabin air filter that needs regular access is back there. Cant block it.
Down low the glove box itself protrudes when closed so no room.

 

I thought there was a "bar" behind the screen where people were mounting them?

 

You are probably referring to my 2nd choice in the pix of my original post.

 

I placed mine (same amp) in the passenger foor well, pulled carpet back and placed it under the carpet up high.

 

I built my wiring harness with 5.5 and 6 ft between amp and radio/truck harness connection point. Im putting it on the driver side with the crossover units behind the display or under the center tray.
Almost ready to test. Wish me luck.

 

So are you killing the subwoofer freqs or you sending them to you mid range speakers? I listen to mostly country and without subs it would sound TERRIBLE.

 

Maybe I don't understand what you are saying. I have the Ford non-Sony 7 speaker system. Im replacing the Ford door and pillar speakers with the Infinity Reference (9630cx) component system in the front, and some JVC dual cone in the rear (left over from an undone project).And inserting a Key180.4 amp/digital processor between the radio output and speakers. I am unhooking the front center speaker as the Kicker Key180.4 has no center channel. Finally, I installed Noico sound deadener in/on the doors.

The Key180.4 amp has a digital processor and self-calibration algorithm using a microphone.

I am not reducing bass response (It will have whatever the Key180.4 algorithms thinks it should have). But I am not adding a subwoofer. The 6x9 and 5.5 inch speakers Im installing will provide adequate bass response. (probably much better than Ford stock speakers at higher volumes). I dont think I will be "killing the subwoofer freqs."
At least a couple of folks on this forum have done this upgrade, but with a different speaker selection.

I listen to Bluegrass, Blues, 60/70s rock, Pre-1980s country, some Jazz and some Classical. I don't need or care for a "Boom Box".

 

I gotcha and you probably don't listen to it as loud as I or many other do which is where you would run into the issues of no subwoofer. A really clean system will have the appropriate speakers for the appropriate frequencies to include a subwoofer to handle those lower notes. If were to listen to your system as you want it then with the lower freqs removed from your mids to even a single 10" sub that sound quality of the system would be incredibly different. But I understand what you're saying.