If you have a really good idea about how to install a full audio setup, skip all the info below and proceed to the next step(s), otherwise the info below may be very helpful to the majority of folks looking to upgrade their own system.

Below are some pretty good notes to consider when putting your system together. We have complete install packages ready to go for a few Toyotas. We have spent countless hours testing, researching and designing systems with different manufacturers. Due to space limitations and other constraints, we field tested a number products that work very well in our Toyotas.

Please note that we offer a number of kits that will allow you to use the equipment of your choice. To assist others that don�t want to spend hours and hours of research time, we have developed turn key solutions that will help you create an awesome sound system.

Notes from an installer's experience:

As I put these instructions together, I find myself chuckling . . . I remember thinking that set 6x9s in the front, some rear 6.5s and a subwoofer would sound awesome in my 2005 Tacoma . As I was putting the system together a good friend of mine told me I was going about it all wrong. I told him I had done a number of systems this way and the sound was always awesome.

When I first put the system together, I started with Polk Audio Momo 6x9s in the front and Polk Audio Momo 6.5s in the rear. Used an infinity sub and man that thing was awesome. I told my buddy, see it sounds �GREAT�. He was really nice kept his mouth shut and said it sounds �nice�. Keep in mind this guy spends thousands of dollars in audio equipment. He is an audio nut job. Granted it did sound pretty good.

A few months later, he put in a sound system for a friend that had a 2006 Tacoma . It consisted of one set of Image Dynamics Chameleon Component speakers in the front doors and two Image Dynamics 10� IDQ subwoofers. He invited me over told me what the truck had installed and I was telling him, it won't compare with my sound system. About 10 minutes, later we were discussing my stereo upgrade.

A common mistake made by new car audio buffs is thinking that more is better. Well not so when setting up your sound image.

When you go to a concert, sure they have a lot of speakers, but consider the placement. I have never been to a concert, symphony or event where they placed speakers behind you or next to you. The only exception is a movie theater.

With this in mind, consider the term localization. Audio systems play in a frequency range from 10Hz to 30,000Hz+.

A good set of human ears can "hear" the range between 20Hz to 20,000Hz.

20Hz � 90Hz (Subwoofer range)

90Hz - 20Khz are mids and tweeters.

Your ears can localize most music in the range above 90Hz. Since most subs should operate below 80hz (in the 20Hz � 80Hz range), in a good system you should not be able to localize the Bass. In other words, you ears can not tell where the bass is coming from. On the other hand, music above 90Hz, is easily localized. You ears can tell where the music in this range is coming from. This is why the placement of your drivers (speakers) is extremely important.

The 2005+ Tacomas have upper and lower speakers (not real tweeters) already installed. They are in a great location for good imaging. When installing component speakers. The drivers should be as close together as possible. In an FJ cruiser, the dash �top� speakers are to far away from the mid bass drivers and are pointing upwards. The FJ is not setup for good imaging, by the time music reaches your ears it has �bounced� at least one time.

The best way to install the speakers (without a lot of customization) is to place the tweeters in your door panels.

By proper positioning and properly powering your equipment, you can save a lot of money and create a much cleaner sounding system.

I often hear that components are way to expensive. But I tell everyone to purchase one good set of components and forget the rear speakers. Of course I always hear, you don't know what you are talking about. Why did the car come with front and rear speakers?

Consider this, why would you be upgrading your system if the automaker did it correctly? You are reading this because you are considering upgrading the horrible sound system installed by Toyota and every other manufacturer.

BTW, the reason they have four speakers is because of the low power provided by the head unit and the terrible placement of the speakers. It is by necessity that they install 4 speakers. Otherwise you would not be able to hear the music in the rear seats. They sell a hundreds of thousands of vehicles. They pay a few dollars for those cheap stock speakers and low wattage head units.

These instructions are for total setup from head unit, to patch cables, speaker wires, power wires and amps. We will even cover how to purchase speakers that will get more power from your amp and produce clean sound that will blow away multi-speaker setups. Step by step pictures and documentation will also be provided.

These instructions will show you how to wire your head unit (stereo), amps, speakers and subwoofers in your Toyota Tacoma, FJ Cruiser, Camry and 4Runner. We will take you step by step on how to wire your equipment together and how to get the most power from your amps. If you are just planning on adding a new head unit and speakers check out our website http://www.tacotunes.com . We have simple instructions for users that want to upgrade their sound with a minimal investment.

This installation is considered to be a middle of the road installation. If you are reading these instructions you are probably looking for great sound, without emptying your pocket book. There are MUCH more elaborate installs, but this one will deliver amazing sound and save you a bundle by installing yourself.

Typical labor costs to install this system will be about $500. This does not include materials. If you can spare a Saturday, you can do it yourself, save some big money and enjoy doing your own install.  Make sure you have plenty of time and maybe consider spending a day installing some matting.

Most head units include the stereo and the wire harness as you see in this picture.