I read somewhere that the Ford Premium Audio has an external amp...
I'll be installing a new amp (65 X 4 USAcoustics) and 4 speakers (5 X 7 Infinity Kappas), and was wondering if anyone was successful in locating the factory amp in order to bypass it? The last thing I want to do is to amplify the factory amp's signal. I ordered everything from Crutchfield and heard they had good instructions, but are they detailed enough to provide this info? Everything should get here tomorrow (Friday) or Monday.
Might get Mobile-One to do it, but they charge an arm and a leg!
Thanks.

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'INTIMIDATOR' Black 99.5 F150 XLT R/C, SS, 5.4L V8, 3.55 LS, Keyless Entry, 4W Disk Brakes, Sl Rear Window, Trailer Towing Pkg, P255 OWL, Cast Aluminum Wheels.
Soon to come: Line-X, Tinted Windows, Superchip, Flowmaster, Airaid.

 

RedMan,
The Premium external amp is behind the dash, below the head unit and toward the firewall. It's speaker wire connector is different than the one terminating to the head unit. Crutchfield has the proper wiring adapter. Just make sure they know that you want the one which bypasses the amp. I ran into this issue on my 97. Crutchfield provided the adapter I needed.

Good luck,
ALA G8R


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97 Lariet SC Flareside 4x4, Red w/Silver trim, ORP, 5.4L, 3.55LS, Westin Nerf Bars, Superchip, K&N w/ Airbox Mod, Flowmaster, LeBra Low Profile Soft Tonneau, Bug shield, Bel 615 STI Radar Detecter, Pioneer DEH-P7000R CD Player driving 4 Polk 572a's, Soundstream Reference 300 Amp driving MTX Thunderform 5000 Subs

 

noticed that alag8r said head unit connector different that amp connector. Will premium stereo sub the standard stereo? I have the standard unit and would like to upgrade to the premium unit. Do I need the amp that goes with the premium unit? Do both trucks use the same speaker connector? Do both head units use the same connector?

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99 XLT 5.4l reg cab 2tone 3.55 gears eclipse cd player. subs coming soon

 

I believe that the external amp is required as part of the premium system. (Someone correct me if I'm wrong). My recommendation would be to add a good 5,4,3 channel amp to your eclipse CD and use your factory system for a door stop. The only thing premium about the premium system I had is the premium I paid for it.

ALA G8R

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97 Lariet SC Flare 4x4, Red/Silver, 5.4L, 3.55LS, ORP
**Superchip, K&N w/ ABM, Flowmaster
** Westin Nerf Bars, Soft Tonneau, Bel Radar Detecter
** Pioneer CD Player, Infinity 57.1CS components up front, Polk 572a's in back, MTX 5000 Thunderform subs, 300 Watt Soundstream Amp for sub, Rockford Fosgate 400a4 for front/rear, Audio Control EQX.

 

What about using the location for the premium amp to install a new one? What are the dimensions back there? I wonder how much other junk I could stuff back there

 

From what I have seen It is so damn hard to get in there you wouldn't want to put anything back there.
Just install under drivers seat.
A lot more room and much easier to get to.

 

Does this Aftermarket Amp harness adaptor exist, and if so, does anyone have a part number? I've got the premium sound system, and really would like to install my JBL amp from my old truck while using the factory head unit, and bypass the factory amp. I called Crutchfield, but the guy said my 99 Supercab doesn't "show" a premium sound system, and he said I'd have to cut wires to make it work. (Not gonna do it, wouldn't be prudent)

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1999 F150 4X4 SuperCab Lariat Flareside 5.4; Auto, Offroad Pack, White/Silver, Graphite Leather, 3.73, SuperChip, ARE Bed Cover, K&N Filter.

 

Forget Crutchfeild.
Most of the people answering the phone are just looking at a computer screen and have never been in an F150.
Drive down to a reputable stereo shop who has actually done what you are talking about.
See other treads in audio section.


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99 XLT 5.4l reg cab
5 star larait style wheels
Toreador red 2tone
3.55 gears
255/70/16 OWL
Delta toolbox
Eclipse 5340 cd player
Memphis ARCS50 component speakers (excellent sound)
Sherwood amp
subwoofer coming soon
More mods as funds become avalible.

 

Rons replace the front speakers with a good components set first.
You may get the sound you want just from that.
Speakers, Speakers, Speakers.

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99 XLT 5.4l reg cab
5 star larait style wheels
Toreador red 2tone
3.55 gears
255/70/16 OWL
Delta toolbox
Eclipse 5340 cd player
Memphis ARCS50 component speakers (excellent sound)
Sherwood amp
subwoofer coming soon
More mods as funds become avalible.

 

54regcab,

Good advice, that's what I'll do. As for the components, what kind of tweeter placement did you use? That triangle area on the door by the outside mirror looks perfect to me, but I'd be afraid to cut into it.

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1999 F150 4X4 SuperCab Lariat Flareside 5.4; Auto, Offroad Pack, White/Silver, Graphite Leather, 3.73, SuperChip, ARE Bed Cover, K&N Filter.

 

I put my tweeters in the dark insert where the door handle is.
They are mounted above and forward of the window switches.
They sound great and the install was relatively easy.
Those "corner pods" might work well if you have adjustable angle tweeters.
If you aren't at least little scared to do the cuts then you shouldn't be doing them.
(I was scared too)
See other treads about component placement


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99 XLT 5.4l reg cab
4 wheel disc/ABS
5 star larait style wheels
Toreador red 2tone
3.55 gears
255/70/16 OWL
Delta toolbox
Eclipse 5340 cd player
Memphis ARCS50 component speakers (excellent sound)
Sherwood amp
subwoofer coming soon
More mods as funds become avalible.