How much difference in quality could I expect between an off-the-shelf box for an 8" sub-woofer and one that I had custom made for my truck. The custom boxes are just so expensive. Also, does anybody know of any good 8" sub-woofer boxes for an extended cab 1999 F150. They have to be individual boxes on each side of the truck because my cd changer is right in the middle underneath the back seat. Thanks.

 

It really depends on the off-the-shelf box. I've seen them made very cheaply, wouldnt touch them. Then I've seen some that were pretty decent quality. I'd look for one that was 1/2" MDF at least and was the appropriate size for the sub you want. Whatever you do DONT get anything but a sealed or ported. NO BANDPASS!! Also, if all you want is a simple box the custom route may not cost all that much to just have a box made.
Boxes are really easy to make, all you need is a table saw/skil saw/Jig saw and steady hands (or a brace), a ruler, screwdriver and some glue.

 

Only buy sealed prefabs unless it is a ported box designed specificly for your subwoofer. Prefab boxes can be quite good and very cheap. Just look for enclosures that advertise 5/8" or thicker Medium Density Fiberboard (not particle board). The tricky thing is going to be finding a box that fits properly under your seat.

 

The differance can be night and day. I'm thinking by how your question is worded that your asking about pre-loaded boxes versus custom boxes with nice subs. The pre load boxes can range from absolute junk to half way decent. Custom boxes with nice subs are much better sounding but will also require more power to get them to "light up"

If i had to look at one type of 8"or even 6" sub box that was pre loaded and I wasn't too into being loud, i'd suggest the bazooka tube. The speakers are sub par but the enclosures themselves are pretty refined. I've tried everysize and the 8"s and 10"s got some ooomph. Have not touched one for 10+ years so not sure if the quality went down with age or not. The 6's are cool tight bass, but they really have no low frequency response. Good for a chick.

I also really like the way those Pro-Boxes look. You may want to look into the boxes that fit the Harley Davidson trucks. They might fit with your changer where it is. Call them, i bet it's a FAQ.

Dido, avoid the bandpass boxes.

If you are in fact talking about the boxes you can find in your local stereo shops inventory, make sure it is sealed all the way around the inside. Take a small mirror with you and take a look for yourself. Sometimes the faces are just slapped on and i've seen gapps you could fit your thumb through before.

 

Q logic makes a box that goes behind the middle front seat on the floor that holds a 10 sub. It looks really good and sounds really good. I used the one for the dodge that holds a 12 inch, but had to modify the box. I also used an Audiobahn 800 watt sub amp. Man that sounded nice. Of course now things are completely out of control for me, but that is another story.

 

Before I sold my 99 F150 Scab, I had a matching Q-Logic box to the interior of my truck running 2 8" Kicker Comp VR's. The box fit nicely underneath the "60 Split" of the two seats, and sounded great. I found mine on ebay for a fraction of the cost. Definitely an option I would look at if I were you.

Steve