[audioaddict254]

Just purchased my first ever new off the showroom floor vehicle. 2014 Ram 1500 Crew Cab Express 4x4 in bright white.

I went with the express because I like the painted bumpers, I want the front center seat (I have 3 kids), and I don't want any stock nav bs to get in the way of my audio install. I DO want leather though, so I've ordered a kit from leatherseats.com. It will be black on the outsides of the seats with white inserts to match the exterior. Bed liner, Flowmaster Super 44, and some custom fit rubber floor mats have been put in so far.

Here's what's going in:

Diamond Audio D7056 (from my last truck)
Pioneer head (from my last truck)
MB Quart 3.5's (from my last truck)
Might also include my Audiocontrol Epicenter (from my last truck)
2 Alpine type R 12's and a Fox Acoustics 2x12 ported box.
Audiocontrol 3.2
Audiocontrol EQS
Kicker 6x9's (x4)
Sirius unit for the Pioneer head
Skar Audio 1400 watt mono amp
All stinger HPM wiring

After looking at the Fox Acoustics box, I'm not buying the 1.5ft per side specification. I just don't see how that's possible. If it hits to high, I plan to seal it off.

Amps and EQ will be mounted behind the rear seat. I plan to Liquid Nails some MDF covered in carpet. Hope this works.

I may change the front highs. The 6x9/3.5 combo sounded great in my '03 quad but a badass component set could be better.

All I've done so far is mount the head unit. I have a lot going on the next couple of weeks so it will be a slow process. I'll keep posting as I progress.

 

[spoiler]

Nice looking truck- looks like you have some fun work ahead- feel free to post pics of all your work- We love that stuff around here.

 

[Power247]

Looks like you are off to a great start. Mounting the amp board with liquid nails works great.

 

[audioaddict254]

I hope so. A buddy of mine was telling me silicone works just as well with the added option of being able to remove it in the future. I just can't see it holding all these amplifiers though. My last truck went right back together as if it never had a system after over 8 years of ownership. However, I'm pretty sure I can put that carpet right back over the amp boards and no one would even know it was there.

My leather kit came in today! Looks really nice. I ordered the midlevel kit from leatherseats.com. The cheap one was only partially leather on the seat fronts. This one is full leather on the fronts with vinyl on the back and sides. I stopped by a local upholstery shop and this jackass wanted $900 for install lol. I talked to a guy at the Dodge house and he recommended another installer, called him and he quoted $450-$500. Gonna take it by tomorrow and set a date.

Two more things I really want to add:

1) Backup camera. I think you can get a kit that puts an LCD screen in the rearview mirror. I considered getting a double DIN touchsceen head unit but I HATE having to scroll through menus to make sub/eq adjustments on the fly. That Audiocontrol 3.2 is an awesome American made piece. I had its predecessor, the 3.1, about 15 years ago. Im a huge fan of all things Audiocontrol. Also, Im planning on using a RTA app with a calibrated mic on my Iphone to tune that EQS.

2) Secondary battery with isolater. I live on 40 acres and like to pull my truck up by the bonfire in the cold months. It would be nice not to have to worry about running the engine every 20 minutes. I've seen a few threads that show guys changing out the intake and using a battery tray from a diesel. I've spent way to much already, but, whats another $300 or so more?

 

[audioaddict254]

Progress is extremely slow. I want this thing PERFECT though. No cutting corners. I tried to install my Kicker KS693's. I don't think they're going to work. Even with a little spacer baffle I made.

Interior is in. Looks awesome!

 

[audioaddict254]

Everything is changing.

Front Speakers will be Polk DXi 6.5 components with DXi 6.5 Coax in the rear

Capacitor is not going in. No room.

I'm doing the Aux battery. The Vararam CAI kit has been purchased to make room. Also bought a Stinger Relay, I changed to 0AWG all around including a Big 3 upgrade kit.

I didn't have much spare time this weekend but I pulled the carpet behind the rear seat to see how much space I had. In order to make this work at all, there will have to be some modifications. My plan is to remove and cover the hole for one of the "pressure release vents". I'll also need to relocate an electronic box that's mounted on the driver side rear wall. Anyone know what this thing is?

 

[Power247]

Soundsl ike your plan is coming along. Sorry I can't help with the electrical box... my '12 does not have anything mounted in tht location.

 

[audioaddict254]

I wouldn't think much of that box if it wasn't for the fact that it has upward facing arrows that I think indicate the orientation it needs to have. Maybe a fuel shutoff in case of rollover??

"Installed" my Pioneer XM box last night. The adapter/cable I found on Amazon worked! I'm using the factory antenna! I mounted it high up under the carpet on the passenger floorboard, underneath the rubber too. Not the best place but I don't want clutter under the seats and haven't thought of a better way. Here is the adapter:

Cable that plugs directly into the factory Sirius antenna connection:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004SPZG7A/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Adapter that connects the above cable to the Pioneer Sirius box:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0083TX86S/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Only problem is that the connection to the factory plug is very easy to pull out. I'll secure it with a little electrical tape once I know I'm done getting behind the radio.

The USB adapter did not work:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BWFYBPC/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

The factory connect was just a little different and too large. Just ordered this one. Only $6. Worth a shot:
http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_74118_Axxess-AX-USB-MINIB.html

 

[rock2]

sounds awesome and like its coming together nicely

 

[audioaddict254]

Progress!

Vararam intake is painted and installed

Rear door speakers installed. The tweeter is touching the door panel though. I think the plastic housing will protect it. They were cheap anyway, if the blow up I'll replace them.

Tweeters installed in front door sail panels

Rear firewall was "leveled out" in 4 places to provide a smooth mounting surface for the amp rack. One pressure vent was eliminated. Mystery electric box was moved towards the drivers side. A friend who installs carpet just happened to show up as I was about to carpet the amp racks myself. Looks pro. Amps are mounted. Managed to have enough room for my Audiocontrol Epicenter

I'll probably start the Big 3 upgrade/Aux battery wireup next.

 

[audioaddict254]

Pics of the amp rack install

 

[audioaddict254]

Amp rack & tweets

 

[Racerdamon]

looks good, get some sound matt on every surface you can...

 

[Power247]

excellent progress!!

 

[Sethw3]

That box with the arrows on the back wall is the receiver for the Key Fobs... I know this because when they added my remote start they had to replace it.

 

[iceberg65]

Nice work, this is great inspiration for what I'm planning. I only need room for a precision Power P900.4 (really small) and a PG X600.1 (fair size) though.

What kind of clearance will you be left with between the back of the seats and the amp's? I'm hoping I can get away without having to delete one of the vents (my truck is older so I wont have that module box to deal with.)