1988 Ford Ranger XLT ((NEED AUDIO HELP))

[baxtej44]

I want to upgrade the audio system in my 1988 Ford Ranger XLT.


I have a new deck in already, but am wanting to upgrade the four speakers in it.

There are 2 in the dash, and one behind each seat (these ones barely put out anything.. they are pointless)


I need to know some sizes so I can start looking.

Is there a way to install any speakers in the doors maybe? Also, do you think I should put speakers behind the seats if I plan to some day have a sub or two?


Overview:
Needs:
1) Stock speaker sizes : 1988 Ford Ranger XLT
2) Good quality speakers that are the right size (no more than say $50 a piece)
3) Good amp (do you think I should get an amp with my speakers first?)
4) Good truck subs


Ask and I will supply any more information for you.
Thanks

 

[rjppunk]

www.crutchfield.com

goto outfit my car
it will give you dimensions for all your speaker sizes in you truck.
if on a budget buy a decent 4 channel amp www.stealitback.com
from the website i gave you check it out every couple of days and if you see a rockford fosgate or an alpine 4 channel amp that listed in good condition i'd buy it.
If you want i can try looking around for some speakers for you

 

[4x4fun]

when i get into a growing system or one that will be bought over months,
id start with the speakers and get something that can be amped later if you want.

then get a sub(S) and amp.

then if you need to amp the speakers you can or if you decide your one sub isnt cutting it and your gonna go bigger with the subs. then you can amp your speakers

 

[rjppunk]

I usually start with the amps and then base the system off of the power handling capacity. Gives you a little more flexibility I feel. But it really depends on how much you're planning to spend, low budget usually means just replacing factory speakers and putting a new head unit in.

 

[baxtej44]

www.crutchfield.com

goto outfit my car
it will give you dimensions for all your speaker sizes in you truck.
if on a budget buy a decent 4 channel amp www.stealitback.com
from the website i gave you check it out every couple of days and if you see a rockford fosgate or an alpine 4 channel amp that listed in good condition i'd buy it.
If you want i can try looking around for some speakers for you

Great, thanks. I will look at the sites

when i get into a growing system or one that will be bought over months,
id start with the speakers and get something that can be amped later if you want.

then get a sub(S) and amp.

then if you need to amp the speakers you can or if you decide your one sub isnt cutting it and your gonna go bigger with the subs. then you can amp your speakers

Well, if I am just replacing speakers now, so that they can be amped later if I need/want to, what should I look for?

I usually start with the amps and then base the system off of the power handling capacity. Gives you a little more flexibility I feel. But it really depends on how much you're planning to spend, low budget usually means just replacing factory speakers and putting a new head unit in.

Another great idea, I'm looking to spend about $100 or so on speakers for now, amp later, not sure how much. I'd rather have some real nice speakers right now.


In your opinions, should I just replace the two dash speakers? Or get 4, which will probably about double the cost as it's twice the amount of speakers, and replace the ones behind my seat as well. Or since the ones behind my seat barely put out anything, replace those first? I really don't know. Do speakers behind my seat need to be in a fancy box? Or just any kind of enclosure will work? They are in some sort of a plastic box now. I really don't know what is going on with the box, as it's kinda big, but there's definitely a speaker in there, they put out very low volume though, can only hear if i fade all the way to the back.

Also, already have a head unit, will replace EVENTUALLY, but for now it works fine.


Also, crutchfield asks me if I have premium sound or not. THey indicate with premium sound you have speakers in the doors, pretty positive I don't. There is an outlet for them I believe though. Like a vent or something, I can only remember on the drivers side, will look when I leave for work tonight.

 

[mazdamayham]

If it where me the best place to start is with a goal. Its like building an engine on a budget over time. Think about what you want in the end and keep that in mind. Start with replacing your speakers with good quality ones, then you can amp them after. But keep in mind also if you cut corners now you will spend more money in the end to get your final results. Example, you find a set of 6 1/2s you really want but you decide to get some cheaper ones for now, you usually wind up getting the ones you wanted originally so now you have the cost of the first pair plus these instead of just waiting and saving a little more to get them to start with. All budget builds should be built with a final goal in mind, you will be more satisfied in the end when done. If you want some help with a goal, I am sure besides myself there are others too on here that might be willing to help out with that. Adding speakers to the doors can be done with some thought and knowledge. Nothing special just looking behind the door panels to see where is best and how much depth you have to clear the speaker magnets. It might not be something just anyone can do but is not very difficult to achieve. And where is good in the panel itself for a speaker to be mounted and make it look good too.

 

[Pistons23]

you dont seem like a basshead. so here is what id reccomend. first make sure you that there are/arent any door speakers. then id just spend the $100 on a nice set of fronts. then if that isnt loud enough you can add some 6x9 in a enlosure for rear fill.

 

[4x4fun]

id look to spend about $100 a set your looking for 50watts rms and up. for highs and look for a three way speaker. and yes do all 4 even your rms on your head unit can blow factory speakers if your not careful.

 

[4x4fun]

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_500SPS507/Alpine-SPS-507.html?tp=105

these look good if you can get them all around. they will be plenty, and you can amp them later

 

[baxtej44]

okay, well after all this, i think I will just start with fronts. although, i am a bass head. i love intense bass, but i just can't afford it right now.


crutchfield says I have 4" dash speakers, but nothing matches up...



what do i do now? and do i need to know any wattage on my actual stereo, or does that not matter?



going to work, will check if i have door speakers or not. and the watts on my deck.

 

[mazdamayham]

okay, well after all this, i think I will just start with fronts. although, i am a bass head. i love intense bass, but i just can't afford it right now.


crutchfield says I have 4" dash speakers, but nothing matches up...



what do i do now? and do i need to know any wattage on my actual stereo, or does that not matter?



going to work, will check if i have door speakers or not. and the watts on my deck.

Actual wattage on your deck wont make much difference, the speakers you put inwill more than likely be rated for more than it pushes.

 

[Pistons23]

the specs on these dont look too bad
http://www.woofersetc.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=product.display&Product_ID=932

 

[Pistons23]

or these if you dont plan on amping them. should matche well with your deck.
http://www.woofersetc.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=product.display&Product_ID=7188

 

[4x4fun]

the actually wattage not really inportant i dont think your gonna be over 50 rms. so youll be good. i know all about the money issue just try not to blow the back ones.

but like mazda said if your end result is something thats gonna rock the d oors off.

then i have 4 of these in my truck all amped with an alpine 400w rms amp 4 channel

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_500SPR69C/Alpine-SPR-69C.html?c=3&tp=91&avf=N

 

[rjppunk]

now that you know the sizes check out www.onlinecarstereo.com beware though because they have terrible customer service but their prices are cheap