Hey guys I just picked up a pretty nice 03 Ranger XLT 4X4 extended cab yesterday and felt the need to replace the stereo.

Here's what I picked up today

Pioneer AVH-X3500BHS head unit
Polk Audio PA660 amp
Kicker KS68 for both front and back.

Right now I have no plans for a sub but that may change in the later down the road. Where would be a good out of the way place to mount this amp? Any advice on how I did or if I should swap something out before I dig into this? I'm not looking for BIG sound, just better than stock.

EDIT: Forgot I had one more question. How do I go about bypassing the parking brake?

 

I removed the jack cover and all that junk to mount my amp. My sub and amp are mounted behind the drivers seat where the jumpseat would go

Old amp

 

I recently aquired a 2003 ford ranger as well. I put my amp in the compartment on the driver's side. it required a little drilling and running wires, but the end result was exactly what I wanted. Note* my amp powers a sub, not the speakers. but it is still a great location. My truck is also only a two door.

 

Love the placement but I have a 4 door.

 

Are you worried about the heat build up being in that small unventilated compartment?

 

The amp is in a bigger space than it looks. through the bottom of the compartment seen is an open space that goes to basically the rest of the truck (body), The amp itself has never even been hotter than lukewarm since I've had it, and it used to power two 12" JL W0's in my old car. Alpine did a good job designing the amp. I also run a 0 gauge wire to it even though it only calls for an 8. It helps keep the system cooler as well.

 

OK so these Kickers sound like crap... Any recommendations for good sounding 6X8's?

 

JL audio 5x7 C2 speakers, available at JL Audio C2-570X Evolution™ Series 5" x 7" 2-way car speakers — also fit 6"x8" openings at Crutchfield.com . That's what I'm putting in my truck when I get the money. you'll need an amp, at least 45w continuous though. Alpine makes one that can mount on the fire wall and is pretty compact. I own the older model of the one Crutchfield carries now. I hope this helps.

 

Well after playing with the amp a bit and plugging in the iPod for the first time I guess they don't sound too bad. No matter what, I think its going to take a sub to make me happy.

 

I love my Alpine S series speakers. I've had 2 sets

 

You're going to lack bass from the door speakers no matter what unless you seal and deaden the doors. the back wave that leaks through the door cancels out the bass. before getting a sub I would work on doing this first. If done correctly you should be able to have a hard hitting system without a sub. If you still choose to do a sub then it will blend much better than if you didn't do sealing and deadening. The sub should just be the icing on the cake, figuratively speaking.

 

Yeah I ordered some baffles to see if they help.