Amazon Basics Sound Deadener

$30 Amazon Basics Car Sound Deadener, 14.5″ x 10″, (10 count)Pack of 1

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07XMF2V77?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

This is the first time I've ever worked with any type of sound deadener so I have nothing to compare it to. I figured if I was going to have the door panels removed to replace the speakers I might as well go through the effort of adding the stuff. Despite it being 18 degrees this morning, this stuff is easy to work with and cut with a normal pair of scissors. The adhesive still sticks and I didn't find myself getting sliced by the foil despite working with my bare hands. I got away with not cleaning the surfaces because my truck is new and hasn't had a chance to build up dust and grime behind the panels and interior trim.

Last month I put this in all 4 door panels and although I don't have any equipment to measure the improvements the old fashioned knock test did show a difference. Knocking on a door that had it covered and going to the other side it was obvious. We all know the Tacoma isn't exactly built like a vault and the sound deadener definitely helped things in that area. Even shutting the doors gives a solid and more satisfying thump instead of a hollow sound that it used to make.

While driving I did notice that most of the road noise seems to be behind me where prior to the install noise was evenly balanced to my ears. This is with just the doors and not the back of the cab.

Now did it make a difference in music? I added new speakers while adding the sound deadener so I can't positively say. I do know I can turn the volume up to the point where I'll be irritated to find something rattle, then relieved to discover it's a loose item in a door pocket, remove it and still have clean/loud/rattle free music. I've never wanted to turn up the volume with the factory speakers to the point of vibrating loose objects so I couldn't tell you if I've prevented any rattles but I am happy currently with the Infinity Reference speakers powered with an Alpine Power Pack.

Based on some research it was recommended after about 20% coverage of sound deadener you're getting diminishing returns. I probably went about 50% in the door panels just because. I ordered 2 boxes of the 14.5" x 10" and it was enough to cover all 4 doors and the back of the cab. Remember, I only did about 50% in the doors. Just doing the knock test while adding a piece of sound deadener you can immediately tell it's soaking up the vibrations. Knock somewhere else on the panel and add material. Eventually you'll knock about anywhere you want and realize that adding more material didn't do much else.

With the back of the cab I did a bit more than the doors and I also covered the back side of the plastic storage bins. I don't know if it's just the design or the thin gauge of the sheet metal in the back of the cab but rapping on things back there with your knuckles will make you laugh. In some areas, adding the sound deadener didn't change the tone.

I learned that working in the garage on the coldest day of the year is a bad idea for plastic clips. I got lucky and only broke one. Also, it's cold so I haven't had a chance to take the truck out for a drive to see what, if any improvements were made on adding sound deadener behind the rear seats versus just doing the door panels.

I'll report back when I do, in the meantime it was a time consuming but fun little project.

 

Ended up going for a short drive up to about 70 mph with the radio turned off. When I only had the door panels done I noticed more road noise behind me.

After doing the back of the cab I've found the overall road noise to be evened out and reduced overall. The TRD exhaust isn't louder but more apparent now that there's less tire hum. What was surprising was a similar effect with the HVAC blower. The fan noise is front and center.

I don't believe passengers will notice anything drastic as if they just stepped into a Lexus LS. I believe conversations with my kids in the back seat will be easier to have. Another Tacoma owner might be able to tell my truck is less boomy over one that hasn't had sound deadener installed. Overall it's worth the time invested and I'd do it again.

 

sometimes the cheaper butyl gets runny in more extreme hot temps. i'm curious to hear how the stuff lasts through this coming summer, if you could do an update later on.