Another update. I'm not sure why I even try. I know I cant leave well enough alone so yes, I ended up replacing all speakers. The aforementioned Hertz 3.5's in the dash, no resistor. This brightened up things tremendously. I then installed some Infinity 6x9's in the rear door. Made a little difference. Sounded good. Seemed like I had a fair amount of bass from the front door speakers, but was muddy. Got the ANC bypass in and installed and put Infinity 6x9's in the front door yesterday. I didnt feel like it messed with the soundstage much. Certainly not enough to make me swap back. The bass tightened right up immediately and mids and highs are nice and crisp. I typically have treble maxed, even with amped components, but I didnt feel the need here and have it backed off a few notches. I'll fill in the low end with a Kicker Hideaway 10 when I get a chance to install it.
For anyone newer than me reading, a couple of 'gotchas'
Front dash... no gotchas, just dont drop anything down the dash. Easy upgrade.
Front door... The top trim section used to access the single bolt at the top. Must put your pick toward that corner as that little white clip is a pain. The bottom trim to access the 2 remaining bolts is easy. The door retaining clips need a bit of force to come off and then force again when putting on. I actually thought I broke my door when they first came loose. About crapped myself. Make sure that the holes are lined up when putting back together. The door latch is a bit of a pain to get out, but it will come. The factory spacers that came with the Infinity speakers and the foam helped with clearance for the window. I also had some extra foam that I put around the spacer so everything is nice and tight.
The rear doors are the same except no need for the spacers.
Aside from 'needing' the sub the truck really sounds great. Night and day. I have done similar in other vehicles with replacing factory speakers and never was satisfied with the sound until I amped them. Maybe I'm just getting old, but I really dont see a need to amp this. It sounds better now than my last several vehicles did even after adding a small amp...or maybe I'm just in the honeymoon phase with them and I'll end up amping later... but for now, all good!
Appreciate all the advice and thoughts from the group. Seems the very first response nailed it, despite me trying to fight it!
For anyone newer than me reading, a couple of 'gotchas'
Front dash... no gotchas, just dont drop anything down the dash. Easy upgrade.
Front door... The top trim section used to access the single bolt at the top. Must put your pick toward that corner as that little white clip is a pain. The bottom trim to access the 2 remaining bolts is easy. The door retaining clips need a bit of force to come off and then force again when putting on. I actually thought I broke my door when they first came loose. About crapped myself. Make sure that the holes are lined up when putting back together. The door latch is a bit of a pain to get out, but it will come. The factory spacers that came with the Infinity speakers and the foam helped with clearance for the window. I also had some extra foam that I put around the spacer so everything is nice and tight.
The rear doors are the same except no need for the spacers.
Aside from 'needing' the sub the truck really sounds great. Night and day. I have done similar in other vehicles with replacing factory speakers and never was satisfied with the sound until I amped them. Maybe I'm just getting old, but I really dont see a need to amp this. It sounds better now than my last several vehicles did even after adding a small amp...or maybe I'm just in the honeymoon phase with them and I'll end up amping later... but for now, all good!
Appreciate all the advice and thoughts from the group. Seems the very first response nailed it, despite me trying to fight it!