Every time I look at speakers to replace mine on my 04 screw I see "5x7/6x8" in the ad or on the box. Which is it? Are they all 5x7 with brackets to fit in the 6x8 hole, or are there true 5x7 and true 6x8 speakers? If so, should I go with a true 6x8 to maximize the out put? I am looking at the Infinity Kappas, but they only show those as being 5x7s on the box. All the sales people that I talk to say they are the same speaker. Whats the facts on this?

 

From what I have been told, they ARE the same with the exception of TRUE 6x8s having a SLIGHTLY larger cone. Not enough to make a significant difference though. I may be wrong though.

 

The OEM speakers are 6x8, which is not a common size for other car manufacturers. Aftermarket speakers usually market their 5x7s as fitting 6x8s via an installation ring.

I used Kenwood eXcelons which are a true 6x8 and fit perfectly. Either way, the sound should be fine. I would suggest, however, that you consider using component 6x8s for the front to get the tweeters above the armrest where it will fill in the highs much better than a standard 2-way speaker. That's my next installation.

 

Yes, I like that idea. And the hole already there for the tweeter. I don't think putting the 5x7 component Kappas would make that much differance in out put vs 6x8 componets. I'm just use to and happy with the Kappas' sound. Had them in my home theater for years. Has any one installed true 5x7s, and are you happy with the result?

 

The mounting holes are the same between a 5x7 and 6x8. The space available to fit new speakers in the F150 is 6x8, but 5x7 speakers will fit without a problem with no modification necessary. The 5x7 speakers that I fit in the front doors had the regular 4 mounting holes on the top and bottom and 2 mounting tabs on the ends that easily came off to fit.

 

Were there any air gaps around the 5x7, giving that the hole was made for a 6x8?

 

Just checked Infinitys web site. They do not make Kappa component 5x7s or 6x8s. Only Reference 5x7 component. Guest I'll go with those in the front and 5x7 kappas in the rear. Sound should be fine, don't you think?

 

In my '01 I have two pair of JL Audio XR570's. They are 5"x 7" and fit the openings prefectly from the stock 6"x 8"s. Bolt pattern is identical and no gaps. Outstanding sound - you get what you pay for with speakers.

 

you can buy an adapter from partsexpress.com so you can use a 6x9 insted of a 5x7 so you can have alittle more selection of speakers.

 

Hey Kuks, have you done this? Has any one done this on the 04 F-150? Any problems? (Air gaps, speakers to deep, etc.) Going to the site now.

 

I just finished putting the Infinity Reference component 5x7 in the front doors and 6802 reference 5x7's in the back doors. They fit without any air gaps, however I was only able to use three screws in the front door, but they are plenty tight. You do have to open the hole a bit for the tweeters, but if you be careful you can screw the tweeter mount into the hole fairly tightly.
Sound is MUCH better than the stock speakers. I tried both the -3db setting on the crossover and the normal one. The normal higher setting works better for me since I listen to mostly country music. The lower setting helps bring out the base a bit, which is pretty good by the way.
I'll post a separate thread on taking the door panels off on the back door of a Scab. Fairly tricky at first but easy once I figured it out.
Stacy

 

Thanks guys, good info. By the way if intrested, the adapter from partsexrpess.com is Part # 265-836. It's name is Metra 82-4200 for $16.50 a pair plus shipping. I would be concerned about a 6x9 fitting in that area. (front and rear) screw cab. Infinity does not make a 6x9 component set anyway.

 

Hey Quikslvr, where did you put the crossover?

 

Dupuis
I put the crossover under the switch panel in the arm rest. I will secure them with the double sided tape like is used to hold emblems to fenders etc (I have to stop by the auto supply today at lunch).
They fit nicely (setting vertically) in the gap behind the switch wires against the inner metal door panel that is covered in the clear plastic.
Stacy

 

Great, that is the route I'm going. Thanks for all the help!!