I have the 6 CD system but not the high end system. I have a supercab.

While browsing on crutchfield and best buy it talks about 6 x 8 speakers in front and back doors and component speakers as 5 1/4.

My questions are for anyone who has upgraded your speakers...

1. how easy do the grills come out?
2. how much better do aftermarket speakers sound with the factory head unit?
3. what really is the size of the speakers? It seems like I have a tweeter and a full range speaker in my front doors...

Thanks for any advice...

 

Well, I haven't been able to get to replacing my speakers yet but its on the to do list. I have done some research into the matter though.

1. The front grills are a "snap" to get out. Basically just tug easily at the top of the grill and they pop out.

The rear is a little harder:
https://www.f150online.com/galleries...w.cfm?num=4897

2. I have heard that you will be better off if you use an amp to power the speakers if you are going to stick with the OEM head unit.

3. You should have just 6x8s in the front and rear, no tweeter sorry to say, it only comes with the audiophile system.

You can however convert the speakers to component speakers which is where they are getting the 5 1/4 size from. I plan on doing this and adding the tweeters.

 

I kept my factory HU like you are wanting to do. I changed all 4 door speakers to Alpine (6x8) and added an amp and 10" Kicker CVR Sub. Unbelievable difference over the stock speakers. It all depends on what you want and how much you want to spend. Alot of guys don't like keeping the factory HU but I had great results and I like the idea that it looks stock from outside the truck.

 

how did you wire the amp to the factory hu?

did you have to use a hi/low converter?

 

I would also be interested in knowing how you add a sub to the stock head unit. thx.

 

Rick,
Did you install a 2 or 4 channel amp? I've got a 400 watt 2 channel I have been thinking about using in my STX.

All 4 of the original speakers were replaced within a couple of weeks after I got the truck. Even with the stock system the speakers started rattling.

I do know that the replacement speaker that the service department installed were better than the originals. The replacement speakers are coaxial with a much larger magnet.

 

I went with the JL audio 5 1/4 component setup in the front doors with an amp for them alone and the sound quality over stock is amazing, couldn't be happier. Had them in for a little while with the stock head unit and they sounded great, I have since gone all aftermarket. Good luck with whatever you decide to go with.