Avalanche Stereo Install Questions

EricEdelman · November 26, 2001

I'm picking up my new Avalanche on Tuesday. The factory stereo just isn't doing it for me, so I'm planning an aftermarket installation.

I'd like to start off with a Pioneer DEH-P930 head unit, along with the XM tuner and XM antenna.

Has anyone done an XM radio install on an Avalanche? Where's a good place to put the antenna and run the wire?

Speaker's don't seem too problematic, the fronts are 6.75" plus a tweeter, so I'll replace those with some components. Rears are 6.75", so they can take some coaxials. The amp and the XM tuner box can go under the front seats.

Adding a subwoofer looks like another problem. I don't want to lose my center console, so a JL Audio Stealthbox won't work. Only thing I can come up with is a custom box to go under a back seat, or maybe a Bazooka tube under the longer section of the seat. Any advice on this one?

Thanks in advance for your replies, and any tips on doing an install into the Avalanche.

Eric Edelman

chevy4x4trucks · November 26, 2001

I've seen a few installs. Try going to fullsizechevy.com as well, I know they do a lot of posts on stereo installs. I'll do some looking and see what I can find.

ltemtmike · November 26, 2001

Well, I'm just about finished with my Av install, I decided that I would rather have a sub than the large center console, so I made my own fiberglass/MDF enclosure to fit in the console, I lost alot of room, but I still have a console that is about 2" deep...enough for my maintainance/fuel log, owners manual, cell phone, and PDA. Unless you make the box/bazooka removable there is no way you can put one under the rear seat and still have functionality of the midgate. My amps fit alright but I did have to build a sort of enclosure to flush mount (almost countersink) my amps, since I didn't want to have the heatsinks digging into my leather when I folded the seats down...as far as under the front seats...dont bother if you have the power seats, just not enough room...If you have onstar, you have to get a interface from SoundGate if you want to have functionality of it. This was practally the only way I could figure to do it, unless you go with IllusionAudio subs, and mount them in the doors, then do kicks for the components...*shrug* As far as the XM...you're on your own...never done one before...

I'll post pics when I finally done with the install...

BgBlkAvalanche · November 27, 2001

I have a 10" JL sub in a custom box under the rear seat. A local stereo shop made it. 4 other stores thought they could do it, but did not seem real confident. The one I used was the most confident. The sub fits under the driver side, with the box extending into the center section. It was made from wood & fiberglass to contour to the seat bottom. If I need the mid gate, I just unplug it, and take it out.

I also have JL front component speakers run off a 75x4 JL amp. I am really glad I got the top end JL's in the doors. It makes a BIG difference. 2 channels are bridged to 150 for the sub, and the rear door speakers & power are stock. I ws sure I needed rear speakers at first, but the salesman convinced me not to, and I agree it would have been a waste.

Hope this helps,... I know how hard it is to decide what to do to these odd ball trucks