Hey Guys,

My wife just bought me a new double din radio to replace my 6 disc changer so that I could use my iPod. I am replacing the door speakers with some better stuff and I would like to replace the stock sub as well. I don't want to replace all the wiring and amp, I just want to find a decent drop in plug and play sub. I'm not wanting to blow the doors off just have some clear sound. Has anyone done this? I don't mind have to add a spacer for the mounting depth but that's about it. I don't know anything about audio other than how to take out one radio and put in another which is why I am asking. All of this dual coil 4 ohm stuff is greek to me. I rather someone just say this is what I used and it worked…

Thanks

 

in most cases the little 80watt amp (i beleive thats what it is stock) wont power an aftermarket 8" sub very well its just not enough. If you look at it, its tiny. 10" sub, box and a new amp for a couple hundred bucs is what i did. I had the same idea as you in the beginning...just couldnt make it work

 

Will a higher wattage amp fit in the factory box? I just don't want to get into a big project with the radio. I may even just look for a stock replacement...

 

You need to increase the power wire gauge in order to run any aftermarket amp.. No less then 4 gauge wire will work great..

I have a thread I started on a fox box install that will show you just how cheap it can be to get some quality sound and bass.. http://www.f150forum.com/f30/fox-box...32/?styleid=14

If you have the audiophile speakers try sticking with them first. With the right sub (JL w3v3 4 ohm) you can really get existing speakers to sound great.. The new head unit you have will likely drive the stock speakers well, and sound better then stock..
It should only cost around $400 if you buy the (SSL) amp, sub (JL) and box (foxbox)I got.. This includes a new amp wiring kit too.... Install is easy and there's pics in the thread I linked above showing you where to run the wire..

 

no a higher watt amp wouldnt work in the stock box because youd still have to run new wiring and i doubt you can find an amp that small. your better off installing new stuff for a couple hundred bucs if thats the route you want to go

 

You can use pollyfill (pillow stuffing) in the enclosure. Just screw out the sub, stuff pollyfill in the enclosure, and screw the sub back in. Because the stock enclosure and sub are so small to start this won't be a large difference, but it will be noticeable. Make sure to stuff it as much as possible. This essentially "tricks" the driver into thinking it's in a larger enclosure than it really is.

 

Personally, I used the Dual Voice Coil Rockford-Fosgate Punch 8" Sub. I forget the part number right now, but it is a shallow mount and direct replacement for yours. This is what I did in my factory box and amp, all you have to do is undo 8 screws, take the old one out, plug in 4 wires and screw the new one in. Not tremendously loud, but really adds depth and quality and clarity of music.