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Stereo upgrade

Discussion in '1st Gen Tundras (2000-2006)' started by Hunter1gen, Apr 5, 2023.

  1. Apr 5, 2023 at 6:48 PM
    #1
    Hunter1gen

    Hunter1gen [OP] New Member

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    I’m replacing the head unit in my 03 tundra soon was wondering if anyone knows if I’ll need to bypass the factory amp or not? I’ve tried looking for videos and they aren’t super clear. Not trying to wait 2 months for Best Buy to install (they are booked up)
     
  2. Apr 5, 2023 at 7:02 PM
    #2
    alb1k

    alb1k Always Coming From Take Me Down

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    It's good
    I'm not sure but Crutchfield is a pretty good resource for stuff like that specific to your truck. I have an 05 DC and added the plug and play Bazooka that integrated into the JBL option back in 06. That worked with aftermarket. Since then I added a good amp and better sub to the same enclosure.
     
  3. Apr 5, 2023 at 7:08 PM
    #3
    Hunter1gen

    Hunter1gen [OP] New Member

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    Yeah I ordered my kenwood stereo and wiring harnesses from Crutchfield just waiting for it to be delivered. Only video I could really find on YouTube showed the guy pulling wires from under his factory amp. Just wondering why you couldn’t plug right into the harnesses that plug into the back of the factory head unit? And sounds like a sweet setup!
     
  4. Apr 5, 2023 at 7:21 PM
    #4
    NickB_01TRD

    NickB_01TRD You don't need less cars, just more driveway.

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    Post pictures of the radio in your truck and that'll help us determine what you need. Reference this thread as well.
    https://www.tundras.com/threads/1st...ion-jbl-non-jbl-all-cabs.115324/#post-2967340
     
  5. Apr 5, 2023 at 8:44 PM
    #5
    shifty`

    shifty` I’ll teabag a piranha tank

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    That's a good way to see what system he has. But OP really needs to tell us also what cab type he has, since that's super important with these trucks!

    Taken from this sticky thread at the top of the forum, it gives the full breakdown:
    • Before you install an aftermarket head unit, you need to identify whether your truck has the external amplifier, because you'll need to bypass it if it's there, else fade/balance won't work, or you just won't get sound! Read this thread for more info on the factory amp and where to find it if you have one, and what you need to do to install an aftermarket stereo. There are ways to retain the factory amp if you really want to, but ... just read that thread and its replies. To see what adapters you need (if you have an amp) check this post. To see what aftermarket radio others on here are running, read this thread. DISCLAIMER: Confirm fitment of any part numbers provided here by going to Crutchfield's or Metra's website before you commit to buying!
    I recommend avoiding BOSS and ATOTO products. Yes, I know, some have had great luck with ATOTO. Others have not. Cheaper is not better.
     
    Tacopashka, VA Husker and 1lowlife like this.
  6. Apr 5, 2023 at 9:33 PM
    #6
    1lowlife

    1lowlife Toxic prick and pavement princess..

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    Welcome to the forum..

    @shifty` post is what you need.
    Hopefully, your OEM HU has an internal and not an external amp..
    If it is external, you'll need to bypass it.

    You may need an interface to retain steering wheel controls if you have them..
    That is addressed in the link he gave..

    You can find wiring diagrams for your Tundra here if needed.

    Ultimate TUNDRA Wiring Diagrams Collection | Toyota Tundra Forum (tundras.com)

    Although there seems to be only one 1 radio diagram for a 2003.

    upload_2023-4-5_23-30-59.jpg

    My 2005 SR5 had a standard OEM radio (had no steering wheel controls) that I replaced with a single DIN Pioneer.
    I ran 3 amps under the front bench seat (front, rear, and sub), using the stock door speakers and a custom sub box for 10 years.

    Although your door speakers are 20 years old, they may still provide what you need..:eek2:

    Keep us posted on the progress so others can learn..:D

    Good luck..:cool:

    ^ You da man...:thumbsup:
     
    Last edited: Apr 5, 2023
    shifty`[QUOTED] likes this.
  7. Apr 6, 2023 at 6:21 AM
    #7
    Hunter1gen

    Hunter1gen [OP] New Member

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    Thanks for all the quick replies! I got all the info I needed from the threads so much appreciated
     
    Tacopashka and shifty` like this.
  8. Apr 16, 2023 at 9:35 AM
    #8
    BluegrapeVr6

    BluegrapeVr6 New Member

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    BOSS head Unit, Track Rack, Tint. MT Baja Legend EXP 16x9, Pro-Comp 69, Icon Titanium Rebound 17x8. Cant decide on Lift. ARB Rear. Bash Fab Sliders.
    My 02 sr5 had internal Amp RC. FYI. Super simple
     
  9. Apr 22, 2023 at 3:12 PM
    #9
    vst

    vst New Member

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    Didn’t want to start another thread so I thought I’d ask here but I’m needing to replace my front speakers on my 05 DC with jbl and was wondering if I needed speaker adapters to fit new component speakers in there? Thanks
     
  10. Apr 22, 2023 at 5:07 PM
    #10
    shifty`

    shifty` I’ll teabag a piranha tank

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    I'm not trying to pawn you off with this reply, but if you plug your truck specs into Crutchfield, they'll tell you (and often give you for free or heavily discounted) any extras you need.

    On my access cab, I was able to reuse the stock baffles with only minor modification any 8 year old could figure out. I assume your DC will be the same.
     
    Tacopashka and vst[QUOTED] like this.
  11. May 13, 2023 at 11:01 PM
    #11
    Threepohl

    Threepohl New Member

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    I'm needing major help I had a friend try to install a double din android auto he cut and threw away the factory harnesses I can get the new unit to power up but I can't get the rest of the wires figured out please please help me
     
  12. May 14, 2023 at 6:02 AM
    #12
    Tacopashka

    Tacopashka New Member

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    Sue your friend!!
    You’ll need the factory plugs so you may have to go pull them off another truck and then solder all the wires back together. Then Use all the above information that everyone has kindly provided; go to crutchfield and get the correct harnesses.
     
  13. May 14, 2023 at 6:28 AM
    #13
    KNABORES

    KNABORES Sarcasm incoming

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    Bilstein 5100's on the forbidden notch Husky HD rear leafs 16x8 Eagle Alloy 187's with 285/75/16 MagnaFlow 3" flow through Pioneer touchscreen with backup camera Full interior and dash LED conversion Trailer brake controller with 7 pin Bedliner coat bumpers & trim ARE Mpulse topper - Rhino Vortex rack
    Think you used the wrong word here.
     
    Tacopashka likes this.
  14. May 14, 2023 at 6:39 AM
    #14
    shifty`

    shifty` I’ll teabag a piranha tank

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    I agree with your sentiment.

    Reinstall the factory plug by soldering the wires together and heatshrinking over it. Get the harness(es) from a junkyard.

    Your "friend" is not a friend, sorry to tell you.

    And if you read this thread, you can get electrical wiring diagrams from the series of links at the top (4th/5th paragraph), and get audio/stereo install info in the "Audio and audio upgrades..." section.

    Note the first comment in the "Audio and audio upgrades..." section:
    • I'll say this first: DON'T BE A FRIGGIN' DOUCHE! Don't be that asshole who cuts the factory wiring harnesses to install a new stereo. There are a ton of cheap plug-and-play adapter harnesses you can buy. Pony up the extra $10-20 for a quality adapter harness and don't cut your factory.
    This should be common knowledge. Only idiots cut factory harnesses. There's no point in breaking conductors when an adapter exists. You just risk introduction of noise and other issues.
     
    Tacopashka likes this.
  15. May 14, 2023 at 1:25 PM
    #15
    artsr2002

    artsr2002 2005 Tundra DC SR5

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    Cut and throw away your 'friend' LOL :D
     
    Tacopashka likes this.
  16. Jun 2, 2023 at 1:30 PM
    #16
    Threepohl

    Threepohl New Member

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    Update I have power to the radio getting sound barley does anybody know what wire you hook up to The aftermarket harness to fire up the amp any diagram

    And I did cut my friend lose this has been a money pit
     

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