Bronco standard sound system 6 speaker upgrade DIY writeup w/ instructions (dash & kick panel speaker removal) & wiring diagram

I finished upgrading the speakers in my Big Bend this past weekend and wanted to give those interested some information that may help--

My Big Bend came equipped with the standard 6-Speaker system and I simply wanted to upgrade the speakers to give the stereo a little better sound. I previously owned a 2017 Jeep JK Sahara that I used some Kicker speakers so I decided to go the same route as I liked the sound from the Kickers.

I got 2 pairs of 4in (46CSC44) and 1 pair of 6.5in (46CSC654) Kicker CS speakers. From my previous install on the Jeep, I learned that using speaker baffles was a good idea so I also purchased Boom Mat speaker baffles. For the 4in speakers, I used some Posi-Twist connectors and added a pair of 300Hz Bass Blockers for the front only.

For the 6.5in I used the Metra 82-5605 Mounting Brackets as well as the Metra 72-5602 Wiring Harness.

The speaker installation was straightforward the most time-consuming part is taking apart all the plastic trim which I am so glad some on the forum had already submitted so I was ready with all the appropriate trim removal tools and knowledge.

I have included the documentation I used to remove the trim panels and wiring diagram and well as photos of the install and of the products I used.

I hope this information will be useful for some.

EDIT:
I am adding some pigtail connector diagrams that were submitted by another user on the forum (credit to FLIP). The diagrams will show color wires and their polarity.

EDIT2 (2022MAY02)
I have added a Kicker Key 200.4 amp to my install (zipped at the metal panel under the steering wheel). Using the ingenious wiring harness from plugnplaykits.com. The sound from these speakers now is amazing.

Minus the boom mats, I have all of these same materials stacked up here for install. How is the sound so far?

This is great, thanks for the write up.

JediMcMuffin said:

Minus the boom mats, I have all of these same materials stacked up here for install. How is the sound so far?

Click to expand...

It sounds one-thousand times better than stock.
I have always found that the speaker baffles make a big difference in the sound. I found this out in my previous Jeep install after having the rollbar speaker next to my head. At first, I had only the speaker mounted then after hearing the hollowness of the speakers and speaking to my Crutchfield rep they said to either fill the cavity with Poly-Fil or use a speaker baffle like Boom Mat.
I didn't want the messiness of the PolyFil so I went with the Boom Mat. If anything it will be good to have in the kick panel speaker as there is no sound baffling at all at that location.

So did the Metra connectors connect to the factor 6-1/2” connectors, or did you replace the factory connector?

Dads_bronze_bronco said:

So did the Metra connectors connect to the factor 6-1/2” connectors, or did you replace the factory connector?

Click to expand...

The connectors fit right in with zero issues. The photo I included is the wire harness mated to the factory connector.

DO you have a list of parts w/part #s and tools needed to order this set up? Thanks in advance.

Good job! Nice post, very informative! Where did you get the speakers etc.? Do the baffles increase the bass response or just the overall quality of the sound? After just changing out the speakers do you feel like that was enough or maybe you need to add an amp?

Thank you. Following/saving.

This is great! Thanks OP.

BroncRik said:

The connectors fit right in with zero issues. The photo I included is the wire harness mated to the factory connector.

Click to expand...

So you had six wires coming off that connector, I am assuming two go to the kick panel speaker, and the other four were just capped?

Great lesson and shopping list! Thanks

Dads_bronze_bronco said:

So you had six wires coming off that connector, I am assuming two go to the kick panel speaker, and the other four were just capped?

Click to expand...

Looks that way from the way the harness is wired. the other wires circuit back (see harness pic)

Interesting results. Every time I try the boom mat buckets I find that they really kill the base response, in essence making that speaker feel like it's in the worlds tiniest box. I've found benefit in putting a decent sized vent hole in them to allow the air movement for the woofer.

BroncRik said:

It sounds one-thousand times better than stock.
I have always found that the speaker baffles make a big difference in the sound. I found this out in my previous Jeep install after having the rollbar speaker next to my head. At first, I had only the speaker mounted then after hearing the hollowness of the speakers and speaking to my Crutchfield rep they said to either fill the cavity with Poly-Fil or use a speaker baffle like Boom Mat.
I didn't want the messiness of the PolyFil so I went with the Boom Mat. If anything it will be good to have in the kick panel speaker as there is no sound baffling at all at that location.

Click to expand...

Great! I'm excited to do this install. Can you share which boom mats specifically you ordered? I see there are slim and regular depth ones. I also have the metra rings and wiring connectors ready for the 6.5s, but I am going to use positaps to connect the bass blockers into the factory harness for the dash and pods unless you have a smoother method to recommend.