QuestionQUESTION: I don't have the Infinity stereo in my truck but want to add the 3.5 speakers in the dash. Is the wiring there and is it hot to make the speakers work with the factory head unit? All the door speakers are aftermarket already.
ANSWER: Hi Brad,
I have this truck listed with 2.5" speakers in the dash (with the Infinity package), not 3.5". 2.5" speakers aren't found in the after-market; they're used in a wide variety of Chrysler Infinity systems. The Infinity system in the Ram includes a factory amplifier in addition to the extra speakers; if there's no amp, then the wire from the amplifier to the speakers won't be present either.
You may be able to install 3.5" speakers in the dash locations (although you'll probably have to cut out the opening) but you'll certainly need to run new speaker wiring to the head unit. You'll also need to use a passive crossover so that deep bass notes aren't sent to the small speaker. In fact, it's a good idea to use a 2-way crossover so that the high frequencies going to the dash speakers aren't also being played through the door speakers. In general, it's best to avoid having two speakers on the same channel playing the same frequencies.
You might have an easier time finding separate tweeters to install in the dash locations, instead of 3.5" speakers. It's easier to make a small speaker fit a large opening, than the other way around; and tweeters often include built-in or in-line crossovers.
Hope this helps!
Brian
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: I guess I said 3.5" because Crutchfield list the dash speakers as this size. My front door speakers are 3-way 6x9's and my backs are 4-way 6.5's. I also have a 8" sub under right rear seat. There is no crossover or bass blockers on the door speakers, just turn down the bass a bit and let the sub make up the difference. The reason I was asking about the dash speakers was because my dash is soon to be replaced. The old one cracked and while it's out I thought it would be a good time to fill in these speaker holes. The dealer that is replacing the dash was no help in this area, so thats why I asked you.
Thanks for the help Brad.
AnswerHi Brad,
My advice would be to just leave the dash speaker locations empty. With 3-way speakers in the doors, and 4-way speakers in back, I'm doubtful that adding additional dash speakers will improve anything. I doubt very much that your system is lacking in treble at this point, and having the high frequencies coming from multiple different point sources usually just makes the imaging less realistic.
If you had a component system for the front speakers, with separate mid-range drivers and tweeters on each side, then you could try placing the mid-range speakers in the doors and the tweeters up on the dash. As it is, though, I'd leave it alone--more isn't always better when it comes to speakers.
Hope this helps!
Brian
