So much for plug n play tweeters for DS18

I have a 23 dbl cab with the amplified JBL system and one of the first mods I wanna do is replace the speakers. My tweeters came in first so I decided to tackle this project. However, the connections are different than what I’ve been seeing on YouTube.
I bought the DS 18 assuming they would be plug n play, but the connectors from the truck are different…. Looking for professional advice for an amateur…

probably leaning towrds this and adding spade connectors on the DS18

 

welcome to the joys of the jbl system.

absolutely everything is different, more complex, and more expensive about it.

the standard audio system consists of the head unit wired directly to the rear speakers, as well as wired to the front tweeters, which then go to the front door speakers via the 4-pin plug on the tweeter. that is where the plug on the ds18's is designed to be plug-n-play for.

the jbl system consists of a head unit that talks to an amplifier mounted behind the rear seat via a digitally-encoded coaxial audio signal. from the amp, each speaker is has an individual set of wires coming off of the amp going to the speakers. all of the speakers are also a specialty 2 ohm variation, meaning that installing a car-audio-typical 4-ohm speaker will likely result in some volume loss due to the increased resistance. the amp runs a specific eq designed around the speakers included with the truck, making alterations to the system possible, but limited in capability.

aren't you glad you paid extra for all that gear?

 

Also pretty sure the DS18’s are 4ohm, and the JBL are 2ohm, so expect a major reduction in volume if you install them

 

I also ordered the Alpine ILX 509 and the Kicker speaker upgrade
I hope this will not give me trouble too….

 

I am open to other suggestions for speakers

 

JBL/infinity make 2-3ohm speakers; check out Crutchfield. Don't use anything 4ohm with that factory JBL system.

edit: CDT audio makes some neat 2ohm sets as well

 

Yeah those are all 4ohm speakers. Won’t work with the JBL amp

 

Now I really screwed up…..looks like I will be returning everything

will the new Alpine headunit that I bought work with better speakers?

would anyone be willing to guide me into what I should buy?

maybe this is the way to go…..
https://trailgridpro.com/products/kicker-plug-play-6-speaker-bundle-upgrade-16-23-tacoma

 

The alpine can technically power them, but barely. 18 watts per channel ain’t doing much to aftermarket speakers.
It would also require running all new speaker wire

 

Might have to take the truck over to a store and have them do everything…..

 

the real problem is that everything you've bought and are looking at is for the standard audio system model.

while it's technically possible to change only the speakers, or only the head unit, it's prohibitively expensive, and for most accounts, will be just as expensive in adapter modules as it is to rip the entire factory system out, and install a completely new audio system with aftermarket head unit, speakers, amp, and subwoofer.

 

I appreciate the heart renching words…..The audio system sucks coming from a Jeep Wrangler with a factory amplified system….grrrr
Maybe I should keep it stock and move on to something else…..

I bet it would be a couple grand to replace everything

 

Yeah the general agreement here is that you should either gut it or leave it alone.

parts and components alone, you’re starting with $2000 to build a decent system. You can get by with less, but it won’t get you drastic improvements over the current sound

 

I’m super bummed….I was hoping the new Alpine head unit and replace some speakers would give me a little more sound clarity and bass…

I still am interested in the Alpine head unit

 

With the JBL system, no head unit will change your sound sadly. It’s all going through the JBL amp. A new head will give you some more fine tuning as far as EQ goes, but the amp is still doing the work

 

Thank you for all the help….

 

Wish we had better news

 

I say, change it all out and save it as a kit to sell to someone for a good price. It’s practically new anyway. I simply Tessa taped all the existing harnesses and left them intact where they are in the truck. Then, keep your Alpine HU and speakers and bravely go forward. The sound will be much better. You won’t regret it. If you do, it will be for a very short time before the new subs kick in…lol.

For example, I just learned than my Sony head unit actual has built-in adjustable crossovers in the advanced settings that allow me to forego the crossovers that came with my component speakers. That how flexible the new systems are. I say go for it if you can afford it.

 

I've recently gutted my JBL unit completely, amp, speakers, and head unit. I lived with the factory JBL with no android auto for 4 years until a few weeks ago.

If more volume is what you're after, then you have to go the amplified route. You can establish this with the factory JBL unit but you'll need some extras in order to get a flat signal from the headunit itself(pac amp pro or jl fix86)

And you don't want coaxials in the front doors, or your sound stage will be on the floor, the majority at least.

My recommendation would be to replace the front wideband with another wide like CDT Unity 8s or a cheaper route some Infinity 3.5inch coaxials. The CDTs are 2inches and will fit in. The 3.5 will require a little trimming around the mounting area but will fit.

Both offerings will require basic wiring. I simply clipped the wiring from the old JBL units and connected the pig tails to the new speakers.

 

Man… I just bought a pair of DS18 from our TW Market Place, received them this morning… tried to install them this afternoon. Like the OP, I have the JBL system and quickly realized the connectors were NOT plug & play. Oh well. I’ll figure out something to do with them.

What’s more disappointing is learning everything in this thread. Guess I’ll live with the JBL!