Replace factory sub but with what?

ashndon · November 10, 2006

I've got a 2002 Suburban with a factory subwoofer and would like to replace it with something of a little higher quality. I've taken the factory sub and enclosure out and discovered that the enclosure is only 3" deep. So not only do I have to try and find a 2 ohm sub (or a dual coil 4 ohm), but it can't be any deeper than 3". Due to the fact that the factory sub has a 5/8" spacer on the front of it I think you could go to 3.5" depending on the front height of the sub. From what I have found researching this, I am left with zero options if I want to keep the sub hidden behind the factory panel. Which I do.

Pioneer has a low profile sub, the TS-SW841D, but it is a 4 ohm speaker. Any sneaky electronic hacks to make it a 2 ohm?

Any other ideas?

Thanks!

chanswork · November 12, 2006

I don't think it's worth wild to switch out that sub. I tried and asked about it on my 01 tahoe. The speaker is suppose to be a 1 ohm sub and there isn't anything like that on the market. also with the little space that you have back there, you won't get anything that would sound better than the one you already have.

I went to purchased a separate single 12" sub. It doesn't take alot of space. Also with a sub you would need to get more power to it than what's available from the stock setup. I have a separate kicker amp under the rear seat to run the 12". It's a pretty simple set up that cost about $400 total.....and it's a big improvement from the stock system.

ashndon · November 14, 2006

chanswork thanks for the reply.

A good after market sub with the correct specs should sound much better than the cheap stocker. My expectations aren't for it to be earth shattering, but I'm sure that by just replacing the stock sub it will be good enough for me. I don't need everyone within a block to know I'm there and I don't want to replace the factory head unit or add any amps.

I've got the stock sub removed and it is a 2ohm sub. After reading this thread: http://www.gm-trucks.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=46733 I have ordered the Memphis 15-MC84D to use as the replacement. As per the post by 01 Suburban LS at the end of the thread, I'll add a spacer to the front of the sub enclosure and/or modify the back side of the enclosure to give me the clearance needed. I'll probably add a reply to the linked thread above when mine is done so that there will be another example of what can be done and my thoughts on how it turned out.

Patiently awaiting the UPS truck...

I'm also going to do the 'amp bypass' procedure referenced here: http://www.gm-trucks.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=29825. Look for the line that reads 'Try this link Amp bypass' on the second page. After replacing the sub and doing the amp bypass I'll decide if I need to replace the factory door speakers or not.

ashndon · November 15, 2006

FYI for anyone interested...

I built and installed the amp bypass harness tonight and what a difference it makes. With the new harness not plugged into the amp, which turns the amp and sub off leaving you only the door speakers, the system was just about as loud as stock. It was missing just a touch of bass which is understandable. After plugging the harness into the amp the system performed a little better, but not much. I think to get the full benefit out of the amp bypass you'll need to replace the stock door speakers and/or the sub.

The replacement sub is scheduled to arrive on Thursday. More to come...