Part 1 - Land Cruiser Sound System Upgrade

[@RogPics]

I know this vid is old but so is my 80 Series. Just gotta say that your vid(s) saved me a butt load of time! And the way you put in these speakers is about the only way they can go in, especially the fronts. I pretty much did it the way you did ... using pretty much the same speaker choices. Awesome vid my man!!! and thank you so very much for taking the time to make the detailed video to take out the guesswork for the rest of us !!!

[@Texasknowhow]

Glad the videos are still helping my Land Cruiser brothers and sisters out there! I appreciate you letting me know Rog.

[@justliketolook]

Your video was very helpful. I just installed a kenwood ddx9903s ,2 front speaker like yours but the new version that are shallow enough to use the single inside ring you made for me between the metal door frame and the speaker . The rings you made were perfect thickness. The door panel and grill fit right over the speaker so I didn't need to touch the grill . The new version of the 2 rear speakers fit into the plastic housing .All I did was cut off the back piece that has the screw hole and I left the side pieces for stability .I also bent the tabs and ran a screw on both sides into the plastic housing to hold the speaker to the plastic housing . I also add the polk marine MM1240 400w 12 inch woofer and amp in the back right panel. It took me a while to get the nerve to cut a big 12 inch hole in the panel but I'm glad I did . It's out of the way and it only sticks out about a1/2 inch the length of the grill cover .While I was installing to radio I added a front and rear camera . So thanks again for all the help and taking the time to make the videos . I don't think I would have attempted doing this without your videos . By the way the polk speakers sound great .

[@Texasknowhow]

That's great man! Glad it all worked out and it sounds like you went beyond what I did and made an even better install! I want to do the same with the subwoofer, did you use the existing wire that was there somehow or did you run a new wire to that sub? Also, did you fish the rear camera wire through that water-proof flexible connection between the door and the vehicle? Again, sounds awesome, thanks for posting the results of your project. Clay

[@justliketolook]

I got a subwoofer install kit that came with all the wires needed and I ran new wire from the battery back to the rear panel and the rca cables and power on amp wire from the back of the radio to the rear panel . My old woofer was in the center console and it was tiny the speaker was shot so I just disconnected it . I put the new amp and woofer in the back panel . The 12 inch woofer is to big to fit in and stay on the flat part of the panel so I had to go into the storage door a little bit . A 10 inch will fit perfect and just miss the storage door . I got the 12 inch on sale for less than 100 and its a dual coil so I ran it in parallel to make it 2 ohm so it cut the 400 w 4 ohm to 200 w 2 ohm so I could use a smaller 250 w amp . I went with the polk mm1240 marine rated like the other speaker are . polk makes a 10 inch mm . You probably all ready have wires from the amp in the back panel in your truck ready to hook a 10 inch woofer to. Find out what size they call for . They even make a metal frame for the woofer to connect screws into the frame you can see the threaded holes next to the clip holes to to hold it in place or it might be on yours already . Look for a light green with red which is negative and a light green with black is positive and that will be your woofer wire positive and negative .I will send you some pictures on facebook message . and I'm going to add some photos in the forum under what did you do to your 80 series this weekend . I did run the wire through a hole just behind the metal carpet strip just in line with the boot hole I put a bend in the wire and it fed right into the boot hole the backup wires with the rca connection will fit thought the boot so you see nothing but the boot I'll send you a photo of that too. . You run the camera wire from the out side to the inside. there are 3 screws that hold in the black license plate lights on and you take the bolts off from the inside tail gate once you pull the light plate off just make a small knock in the plastic so the wire going in from the back up camera won't pinch against the light plate once you tighten it back up . It will fit in the same hole that the wires going to the light plate goes through so you don't have to drill a hole in the tail gate . I will send you a photo of the wiring harness and the wire to connect the wire from the radio so when you put the truck in reverse the camera will auto come on . I got the back up camera the has IR lights on both sides and it adjust up and down . I adjusted it so I can see my ball hitch so I can hook up my boat first try now . I got this one . it works great . they say its water proof but its not . I put silicone sealer around all the ir lights and around the body to make sure no water can get in . There was big open spaces between the ir lights and the body . It has hex screws on both sides so once you have it adjusted where you want it you can tighten it up . I will take a photo of the view from the radio tomorrow and send it to you so you can see the view from the radio I might go out at dark to show how the ir light work . www.amazon.com/dp/B06X6GQVWW?psc=1.

[@Texasknowhow]

Very cool. Nice work man. Will love seeing the pictures and will go to the mud site to see your write up.

[@borb3014]

In some countries base Land Cruiser meant manual crank windows and locks and simple AM/FM only stereo with no door speakers, so those in the dash are regular speakers of the bone stock 80.

[@assemk0236]

nice video man . really helpful and much thanks , but can you please do a video about changing both front dash speakers and the one on the back ( trunk right side) i will really appreciate it

[@Texasknowhow]

Glad it was helpful- not sure I’ll tackle the other speakers you mention but if I do I’ll definitely make a follow on video.

[@ColinPaxton]

Great tutorial! Random unrelated question - sos you do an interior door/dome light upgrade and if so have any links for what bulbs you used?

[@whatsupshittafabraans1926]

Double din not dual. And a neat way to limit window heights so the dog still stick his snout out but can’t jump out

[@timmahoney2039]

Thank you man I am doing this same exact swap on my 80's series! Thank you! I hope the polks are good the reviews are all kick ass

[@Texasknowhow]

Tim, I had the ID when I was making the rings, but now I can't find that dimension; sorry! I used a tape measure and a couple of pieces of wood to basically make a long-nose caliper and get that dimension for the tightest hole that would still allow the speaker to sit flat against it's mounting flange all the way around. This gives you maximum area for the mounting holes and the holes for the grill "dowels". Hope this helps. Clay

[@Texasknowhow]

Also, the polks have been great. Hold up to pretty heavy music and the only thing I may do is add a sub to the rear side panel of the vehicle sometime in the future. These speaker have mid-bass, but not deep bass response.

[@ddavis510]

Hey man! Thanks a ton for this. The speaker depth measurments for the front speakers were REALLY helpful. I like the way you think. Any regrets with the ARB roof rack or roof tent?

[@Texasknowhow]

You're welcome Dan; that's why I love doing these videos - to help my fellow Land Cruiser family! I don't regret the purchase of the ARB tent and rack, the rack stays on all the time now and the tent goes on and off depending on the camping season. I made a rolling storage system for the tent that I probably should video sometime. It stores the tent vertically on what would be it's door side and looks like a big skateboard, haha... Take care man, Clay

[@justliketolook]

At 13;33 with the bead ,I bet that will make it sound better. The plastic by itself with just a few screws holding it in place could vibrate and cause a rattle .

[@Texasknowhow]

It worked so well. Still doing perfect in there.

[@justliketolook]

I have a 1997 lexus lx450 and its the same as yours , I'm going to get the same radio and speakers you got and I'm going to try to do what you did in the front speakers . If I get stuck I may have to ask you questions if you don't mind .

[@Texasknowhow]

justliketolook - Sounds good. Just holler if you need help on it. Also, I'm in the process of making the rings available for the front speakers. Let me know if you would want to go that route vs. making them yourself.

[@justliketolook]

yes that sounds good I'll try to message you on here

[@tedolmsted1810]

Hay Texas thanks for the help on the Cruiser! Great Video & I like the NRA hat. Keep up the good work, you really helped me a lot!

[@mcb7370]

Enjoy the videos with the 80. Wondering when your going to upload part 2..... Thanks

[@Texasknowhow]

Part 2 is just up and available now! - kzbin.info/www/bejne/n3i5aXd5erhgn7c

[@Montana2strokers]

Another awesome video clay thanks again! Aaron

[@jeepingneatus]

Good work Clay. Quality!

[@kviewed]

I was stuck on my speaker options. This helped. How did you get the built out speaker grill (I think it's 1/2") to fit next to the dash? There's no room. Post video 3, pls.

[@Texasknowhow]

Trying to get the other two vids posted. The spacer rings are both 3/8" thick (one btwn door and panel, one on outside of the panel) and the Polk Speaker screwed down on top of that outside one. Will post Vid 3 as fast as I can get it up. It has the detailed install of one of the front speakers. Glad it's helping.

[@justliketolook]

At 3:34 the 2 speakers in the dash ,did they work when you hooked up the radio . Did sound come from the speakers . In my lx450 I have the 2 in the dash also and I have a speaker just behind the gear shift built into the center console here is a photo of the console speaker . would think its the same as the one speaker you show at 2:43 the sub woofer. Did the sub woofer work when you plugged in the wiring harness ?

[@Texasknowhow]

Those two speakers in the dash (one square on the driver's side and one rectangle) still put out a limited amount of sound as do the two up high in the far back. I think all the speakers are still putting out sound and create more depth in the overall experience. The Toyota's don't have that little speaker in the console like your LX450. I'm also not sure if the Lexus may have an amp somewhere in this system... but I think others have done this exact upgrade in the LX450s and have had zero issues. Hope this helps. C

[@justliketolook]

yes any and all info helps

[@GottaGoOutside]

Yes, the speaker in the center console of the LX is the sub. There is a small amp behind the passenger side dash speaker. I bypassed this amp and the sub when I installed an Alpine system.

[@samjohnson9894]

My '93 FZJ came with a Kenwood version of your Pioneer. I can't wait to get rid of it. Isn't it strange how a 2-din unit that can receive satellite radio CANNOT do (isn't equipped to do) GPS navigation without paying over $500? GPS is the only reason to have a screen that big. So I intend to trade this giant-screened Kenwood for a 1-din CD radio unit so I can use the other din for a BearCat scanner. GPS will HAVE to be done by a stand-alone large panel. Any suggestions on a good GPS system like that? (think VMS in Australia)

[@Texasknowhow]

Sam Johnson - I’m pretty happy with my Pioneer head unit - I use my Phone for navigation here in the states. Agree that these manufacturers should be always including Nav capabilities with the technology we have these days. Sorry, I don’t have a good recommendation for a great Navi unit. Thanks for the comments- Take care!

[@Texasknowhow]

@Neatus, Thanks man. The part 2 will be more like the vid you did on the stereo itself... Take Care brother, Clay

[@rightyouareken7587]

Nice videos on the system install. I got the db651 for the front doors for a Christmas gift. They are 6 1/4" and apparently are supposed to fit. Plan on tackling it this weekend, hoping it goes well. Why did you choose the smaller 5 1/4" for the front and 4" for the rear? I read that the rear doors are 5 1/4". Do you know something I don't?

[@rightyouareken7587]

*6 1/2"

[@urabedge9451]

Would you by chance know if it’s the same process in a ‘97?

[@Texasknowhow]

UrA Bedge - It is the same as mine (‘96). ‘97 is the last year of the 100 series.

[@Texasknowhow]

@mcb7370, I will get the 2nd and 3rd parts posted this weekend my friend... been real busy at work this week. Thanks for the support and the comment, I appreciate you watching and getting in touch with me. Clay

[@joshcrowther7275]

Just wondering where you got your tail light protection bars been after a set for a long time

[@simramsey]

Hey,Tex.. Did you replace the small 3rd row ceiling speaker's? If so, what did you use (size & brand)?.. I have the same year LC as you, but when I bought it, those speakers were missing (covers too)... Thanks, -Sim

[@Texasknowhow]

+simramsey I didn't replace mine. They are still in there as original. I know they do play with the stereo so I think they are in series with the back door speakers. Not sure.

[@simramsey]

Thanks, Tex!

[@timmahoney2039]

I'm using the same speakers so can you give me your specific dimensions for the inside?

[@CrazyforCruiser]

Clay bro, I lost the grille for the rear passenger door speaker. What you suggest what kind of speakers will be good for my car's rear door. I honestly love my cruiser alot and I order the grille part from few Toyota websites but it's discontinued and they don't have in stock anymore.

[@Texasknowhow]

+Kamran Khan Did you try Cruiser.net? Also ask on the ih8mud.com forum... see if anyone is parting out a cruiser that has been totaled. They can send you the grill if so. The speakers I used in this video are doing well; I would install them again. Good to hear from you again, take care, Clay

[@CrazyforCruiser]

Yes i did try cruiser.net and they have speaker grille but for front door. i haven't tried ih8mud. I was thinking it would be nice to buy a good set of speakers and use the grille that comes with it. There is one i found but i have to buy the whole door panel with it. Thank you very much brother for the reply.

[@Texasknowhow]

+Kamran Khan If you look at point 6:21 in this part 1 video, you can see what these grills look like. I think I may still have mine, but there would be no way to attach them to your door nicely. They are meant to be held on with the same screws that attach the new speakers. I'm happy with the speakers (Polk DB401 for the rear doors) that I installed. Don't forget ih8mud, there are a ton of folks listening on there and you may find an original grill via someone there.

[@oscarpallaresmedia21]

Wondering why u used smaller size speakers than originals? Any particular reason? Thx for vids

[@Texasknowhow]

These speakers screw into the original holes perfectly and I could re-use the factory grills. I wanted to look as close to original as possible. Some would argue that these are the same size.

[@oscarpallaresmedia21]

+Texasknowhow amazon shows that I need to use db651 do you know if my 93lc could be different? I'm want to order them but now I'm confused as to get the ones you show or follow amazon?

[@Texasknowhow]

+Oscar Pallares not sure, good thing is Amazon is super easy to deal with and will take them back if they don't fit.

[@oscarpallaresmedia21]

+Texasknowhow true thx

[@stevenwood7131]

do you have a 4" lift or 3"?

[@Texasknowhow]

It's like 3" in front and 2.5" in back. The "stiff" OME spring kit. Check out Slee Offroad or Cruiser Outfitters (where I got mine). I think it's called a 3" lift. The stiff springs will help if you add some other stuff up front like a new heavy bumper and winch later.

[@timmahoney2039]

what are the dimensions for the cut outs you made?

[@Texasknowhow]

The OD of the rings are 6 1/4" and 6 1/2". You need one ea for each front door. The inner dia. depends on the exact speakers used, but should be just such that the full ledge of the mounting surface rest on the ring allowing the rest of the speaker to fit through the ring. Use the smaller OD ring for the filler ring inside the door panel and the larger one under the speaker on the outside of the panel. I also used a 1/4" round over bit to make the outer ring have a softer outer edge on the speaker grill side. C

[@sidthekid9365]

What year model is the land cruiser

[@Texasknowhow]

This one is a '96.

[@Filmpilot]

Air saw goes through like it isnt even there.

[@Texasknowhow]

I bet that is a good tool to use; not everyone watching has that tho... Thanks man!