Tweeter Adapter Spacer Bracket For 5th Gen 4Runner

The factory non-JBL 4Runner sound system leaves much to be desired in audio performance. In this article, we’ll cover how to upgrade the OEM 1″ tweeters to 3.5″ coaxial speakers. The upgrade not only provides more volume but also a midrange bump that is desperately needed.

With some basic knowledge of wiring car audio, this mod is achievable for any 4Runner enthusiast. Let’s begin!

Why Upgrade?

The non-JBL system comes with a 1″ tweeter straight from the 80s. It’s underwhelming and fails to provide enough volume to round out the speakers in each of the doors and rear hatch. The JBL system does include a slightly better one, however, it only improves the volume of the highs.

There are a couple of options in the way of upgrading these yourself. Some people opt to upgrade them with a Subaru replacement that fits and does offer a slight improvement. That part ranges from $100-150 alone.

Alternatively, you can upgrade the entire sound system by either adding an amp or amp and head unit along with new speakers all around. This will cost you anywhere from $1500-$5000 in parts and hours of labor removing panels and running new wiring. In my experience, this was the best way to easily improve my OEM tweeters and replace the Subaru ones that I had originally upgraded to.

For less than the cost of buying the Subaru version or even replacement OEM from Toyota, I was able to upgrade these to a louder/crisper 3.5″ mid-range speaker. Now, the soundstage is nicely rounded out and I am completely satisfied with the stereo even when driving at highway speeds on my 33′ BFG all-terrains!

Installation

This modification only requires three items and takes 30-60 minutes to complete.

Supplies Needed

• Tweeter Adapters (Etsy)
• 3.5” Speakers
• Wiring Harness

Step 1. Remove Plastic Cover

Use a trim tool or flathead to remove the factory speaker cover (be careful not to scratch the dash).

Step 2. Remove OEM

Next, use a 10mm socket or a Phillips screwdriver to remove the tweeters and disconnect the OEM harness.

Step 3. Wire New 3.5” Speaker

If your speaker requires one, solder in a bass blocker with the positive line. Some already have this built into the speaker, allowing it to be completely plug-and-play such as the Infinity speakers linked above.

Step 4. Install Adapters

These adapters (designed by KPTexan) have a “D” and “P” marked on the bottom for the driver and passenger sides, respectively. Use the screws that came with the speakers.

Step 5. Connect Wire Harness

The male end of the harness will snap firmly into the OEM connector

Step 6. Install New Speakers

Reuse the (2) 10mm bolts that were removed from the OEM tweeter to secure the new speakers.

Step 7. Reinstall Covers

Some trimming may need to be done on the underside depending on the 3.5” speakers you use. For the Infinity ones that I used, I had to grind down the circular trim a bit for clearance.

Finally, reinstall the cover. Press down and it will snap securely in place.

Turn on your stereo and slowly turn up the volume while playing music to make sure you connected the speakers correctly and everything is working.

Final Thoughts

Overall, this is a quick and simple mod that noticeably improves the sound of the factory sound system. This mod can also be done on the premium JBL factory systems found on trims like the limited, however, you will just need to use the factory harness instead of the one linked in this article.

If you’re on a budget and upgrading your entire sound system isn’t yet in the cards, try upgrading your tweeters first. You’ll be pleasantly surprised!