hi all, this is my first post here!! anyways, I recently bought my truck, an 04(new style) scab lariat. Love the truck, but the stereo kind of sucks.

My plans are this,

use the stock HU (6 disc unit) and replace all the speakers and add a sub. I am going to be using some of the stuff I had from my other cars. Including a MB Quart 6.5 " component set for the front doors, and a kicker comp cvr 12" sub, and a kicker kx550.3 amp. In my rx7 this stereo setup kicked ***.

I am going to purchase a set of 5x7 speakers for the rear doors and another amp to power the rear speakers.

I have installed many stereo systems in my time, but almsot always used an aftermarket deck, never with a factory deck.

My questions are as follows.

1. what do most guys use for a amp remote turn on signal when using a factory deck? Do the trucks without a factory sub still have a live harness under the rear seat that I can get a signal from?

2. in peoples experience, what works better for a input signal. Using the factory speaker outputs and plug them directly into the amp as speaker level inputs, or using the speaker wires, convert them to line level (rca) lines with in-line convertors and plug them into the amp as rca inputs??

3. has anyone had any amperage problems witht the alternator when running 2 amps? I dont know what the amp rating is for these alternators.

 

As far as a signal wire you can tap into any fuse that is contoled by the key switch. I have used both rca inverters and line level inputs and both sound about the same. I have 2 amps in my truck w/o any problems at all. I don't remember the amp ratings right off but if you have the towing package it comes w/ a higher amp alt.

Now as far as the 5x7's in the rear go most people will tell you not to bother w/ them. I put them in mine and keep the turned off most of the time. Where are you plannin to mount the 12 at. You'll have to lift the seat to get it under there but it can be done.

BTW welcome to the board

 

Use a OEM integration device like the JL Cleansweep or the RF 3Sixty. It will make a big difference because the bass wont plateau halfway through nor will it have the factory sound curve.

Oh and the 3Sixty has a Remote Out.

 

sub box is already built, just have some finishing touches on the fiberglass. Not lifting the seat, it will sit right behind the center console between the front and rear seats. Dont like the idea of lifting the seat.

Yes I do have the tow package so I guess I have a bigger alternator, thanks for the info.

What is a OEM integration device? I am going to go do a search on them right now.

Thanks for the help guys.