2014 Ford F150 Speaker Size – The Ultimate Upgrade Guide For Better
Most 2014 Ford F150 models feature a standard 6×8-inch speaker size in both the front and rear doors, though 5×7-inch speakers are also a direct fit. Upgrading these components is a highly effective DIY project that significantly improves audio clarity and eliminates the muddy sound typical of factory paper-cone speakers.
You probably spend a significant amount of time in your truck, whether you are commuting to a job site or heading out for a weekend off-road. If the factory audio system sounds flat, distorted, or simply lacks punch, you are not alone in your frustration.
I promise that by the end of this guide, you will know exactly which speakers to buy and how to install them safely. We will break down the specific 2014 ford f150 speaker size requirements for every cab style to ensure your upgrade goes smoothly.
In the following sections, we will explore the nuances of the Ford audio layout, the tools you need for the job, and the step-by-step process for removing door panels. Let’s get your F150 sounding the way a powerhouse truck should.
Understanding the 2014 ford f150 speaker size and Layout
Before you start ordering parts, you need to understand the physical dimensions of the factory locations. The 12th-generation Ford F150 is famous for its versatility, but its audio layout is actually quite consistent across the 2014 model year.
The primary 2014 ford f150 speaker size for both the front and rear doors is 6×8 inches. This oval-shaped speaker was a staple for Ford for over a decade, meaning there are hundreds of aftermarket options available that drop right into the factory mounting holes.
While 6×8 is the native size, many enthusiasts choose to install 5×7 speakers. Because the mounting patterns are nearly identical, most 5×7 speakers feature “multi-hole” brackets that allow them to fit the 6×8 opening without any modifications or drilling.
The Difference Between Base and Sony Systems
If your truck has the Sony Premium Audio package, your layout includes a few extra components. While the door speaker sizes remain the same, you also have a center channel speaker on the dash and a subwoofer under the rear seat.
The Sony system also uses an external amplifier located behind the rear seat or under the center console. Knowing this is vital because the factory amp has specific impedance requirements that might affect which aftermarket speakers you choose.
Component vs. Coaxial Speakers
When looking at the 2014 ford f150 speaker size, you will have to choose between coaxial and component speakers. Coaxial speakers have the tweeter built into the center of the woofer, making them a “point source” for sound.
Component speakers separate the woofer and the tweeter into two distinct parts. If your F150 has factory tweeters in the A-pillars (the vertical beams next to the windshield), a component set will provide a much better soundstage by keeping the high frequencies at ear level.
Front Door Speaker Options and Fitment
The front doors are where you will spend most of your time listening, so this is the best place to invest in high-quality drivers. Since the 2014 ford f150 speaker size is 6×8, you have plenty of room for a beefy magnet and a large cone.
One thing to watch out for in the front doors is mounting depth. If you choose a speaker that is too deep, the magnet might interfere with the window glass when it rolls down.
Fortunately, the 2014 F150 has a fairly generous door cavity. Most speakers with a mounting depth of 3 inches or less will fit without any issues, but always double-check the manufacturer’s specs before buying.
Using 6.5-Inch Round Speakers
Many high-end audiophile speakers only come in a 6.5-inch round format. If you have your heart set on a specific set of round speakers, you can still make them work in your 6×8 factory opening.
You will simply need a set of speaker adapter plates. These plastic brackets screw into the 6×8 factory holes and provide a circular cutout for the 6.5-inch driver. This is a common “pro” trick to get better sound quality from specialized speakers.
Dealing with Door Vibration
While you have the door panels off to swap the speakers, it is the perfect time to address resonance. Large metal door skins on the F150 can vibrate, which muddies the bass response of your new speakers.
I highly recommend applying a few sheets of butyl-based sound deadener, such as Dynamat or Noico, to the inner door skin. This simple step makes your 6×8 speakers sound twice as expensive by providing a solid, non-resonant mounting surface.
Rear Door Variations: SuperCrew vs. SuperCab
The 2014 ford f150 speaker size for the rear doors is also 6×8, but the installation process varies depending on your cab configuration. The SuperCrew (four full doors) is much easier to work on than the SuperCab (clamshell doors).
In a SuperCrew, the rear door panel comes off almost exactly like the front door. There is plenty of space behind the panel for standard 6×8 or 5×7 coaxial speakers, making it a quick swap.
In a SuperCab, the rear doors are smaller and the internal structure is tighter. You must be more careful with the speaker’s protrusion—how far the tweeter sticks out from the front of the woofer—to ensure the door panel fits back on correctly.
Wiring in the Rear Doors
Ford uses a specific wiring harness connector that clips onto the factory speaker. Instead of cutting these wires, I always suggest using a wiring adapter harness (like the Metra 72-5600).
These adapters plug directly into the Ford plug and provide two spade terminals for your new speakers. This keeps the factory wiring intact, which is great for resale value and prevents any polarity mistakes during the install.
Choosing the Right Rear Speaker
Since the rear speakers are mostly for “rear fill” (providing sound for passengers), you don’t need to spend as much here as you do on the front. A solid pair of coaxial 6x8s will do the job perfectly.
Focus on speakers with a high sensitivity rating. This means they can produce more volume with less power, which is important if you are still using the factory head unit to power them.
The Dash and Center Channel: Don’t Forget the Details
If you have the Sony system, your 2014 ford f150 speaker size list includes a 3.5-inch center channel speaker. This speaker is located right in the middle of the dash, under a plastic grille.
The center channel is designed to improve the imaging of the audio, making it feel like the singer is standing on the hood of the truck. However, the factory center speaker is often the first to blow because it handles a lot of vocal frequencies.
Replacing this is easy. You just need to pop the top dash tray and unscrew the 3.5-inch driver. Most aftermarket 3.5-inch speakers are sold in pairs, so you might have a spare left over or you can find a friend to split a set with.
A-Pillar Tweeter Upgrades
The factory tweeters in the A-pillars are roughly 1 inch in diameter. If you are installing a component speaker set, you will want to put your new tweeters in this location for a factory-clean look.
Most aftermarket tweeters won’t snap into the factory clips perfectly. You may need to use a bit of plumber’s strap or hot glue to secure the new tweeter behind the factory plastic grille. It is a hidden modification that makes a massive difference in high-end detail.
The Sony Subwoofer
For those with the Sony package, there is an 8-inch subwoofer located under the rear passenger seat. While the 8-inch size is standard, the factory enclosure is very shallow and made of thin plastic.
If you want more bass, you can replace the 8-inch driver, but you must find a shallow-mount subwoofer. Most standard 8-inch subs are too deep to fit in the Sony box without a spacer ring.
Tools and Parts Needed for a Professional Install
You don’t need a professional shop to handle this, but having the right tools makes the job much faster and prevents you from breaking expensive plastic clips. The 2014 F150 uses metric fasteners throughout the interior.
First, grab a 7mm socket and a 5.5mm (or 7/32″) socket. These are the two most common sizes used to hold the door panels and speakers in place. A small cordless driver will save your wrists a lot of turning.
Second, invest in a set of plastic trim removal tools. Using a metal screwdriver to pry on your door panels will scratch the plastic and tear the upholstery. Plastic pry bars are cheap and essential for a clean DIY job.
- 7mm Socket: For main door panel bolts.
- 5.5mm Socket: For smaller trim screws and speaker mounting.
- Trim Pry Tools: To remove the handle covers and panel clips.
- Wiring Adapters: Metra 72-5600 or similar for plug-and-play wiring.
- Threadlocker: Blue Loctite to keep speaker screws from vibrating loose.
Having these tools ready before you start will prevent the “halfway-done” headache where you have to put the truck back together just to drive to the hardware store.
Step-by-Step Installation Guide for Your F150
Now that we have confirmed the 2014 ford f150 speaker size and gathered our tools, it is time to get to work. We will focus on the front door, as it is the most common starting point. Step 1: Remove the Trim Covers. Use your plastic pry tool to remove the small plastic cover behind the interior door handle. There is a 7mm bolt hidden behind it. Also, pry up the window switch panel and disconnect the wiring plugs.
Step 2: Remove the Panel Bolts. There are usually two 7mm bolts at the very bottom of the door panel and one or two behind the grab handle. Make sure you find all of them before you start pulling on the panel.
Step 3: Lift the Door Panel. Unlike some trucks where the panel clips pull straight out, the F150 panel usually lifts up. Once the bolts are out, grab the handle and lift the entire panel vertically to clear the hooks. Step 4: Swap the Speakers. Unscrew the four 5.5mm screws holding the factory speaker. Pull it out, unplug the harness, and connect your new speaker using the adapter harness. Test the sound before you put the panel back on! Step 5: Reassemble. Reverse the process. Make sure the lock rod aligns with the hole in the top of the panel as you slide it back down into the hooks. Give the panel a firm tap to ensure all clips are seated.
Common Troubleshooting and Audio Tuning Tips
Sometimes, even after you match the 2014 ford f150 speaker size perfectly, the sound might not be what you expected. This is usually due to small errors during the installation process.
If the bass sounds “thin” or seems to disappear when you turn the volume up, you might have a phase issue. This happens if the positive and negative wires are swapped on one speaker but not the other. The speakers will “cancel” each other out.
Another common issue is clipping. If you are using the factory radio, it only puts out about 15-20 watts of power. If you try to push high-end, power-hungry speakers too hard, the radio will distort, which can actually damage your new speakers.
Setting the EQ
After installing new speakers, reset your bass, mid, and treble settings to “flat” (zero). Factory speakers are often tuned with a heavy bass boost to hide their poor quality. High-quality aftermarket speakers don’t need this crutch.
Listen to a high-quality track and adjust the EQ sparingly. If you find yourself maxing out the bass setting, you probably need to add a dedicated subwoofer rather than stressing your 6×8 door speakers.
Breaking In New Speakers
Believe it or not, speakers have a “break-in” period. The surround (the rubber ring around the cone) is often stiff when new. After about 10-20 hours of listening at moderate volumes, the material will loosen up, and the bass will become deeper and smoother.
Frequently Asked Questions About 2014 ford f150 speaker size
What is the most common 2014 ford f150 speaker size for the front doors?
The standard size for the front doors is 6×8 inches. However, 5×7 speakers will also fit perfectly because they share the same mounting hole pattern. You can also use 6.5-inch round speakers if you use an adapter bracket.
Do I need an amplifier for aftermarket F150 speakers?
You do not need one, but you will benefit from it. Most aftermarket speakers are designed to handle more power than the factory head unit can provide. Adding a small 4-channel amp will significantly improve the punch and clarity of your new system.
Can I replace the Sony subwoofer with any 8-inch sub?
Not exactly. The Sony enclosure is very shallow. You must look for a “shallow mount” 8-inch subwoofer. Additionally, the factory Sony amp is tuned for a specific impedance (usually 2-ohm or dual 2-ohm), so you must match the wiring of the new sub to the amp’s requirements.
How do I know if my F150 has the Sony system?
The easiest way to tell is by looking at the door speaker grilles or the center dash speaker. Sony-equipped trucks will have a small “Sony” badge on the grilles. You will also have a subwoofer under the rear passenger-side seat.
Final Thoughts on Your Audio Upgrade
Upgrading your 2014 ford f150 speaker size components is one of the most rewarding DIY projects you can tackle. It requires minimal tools, takes only a few hours, and provides an immediate improvement to your daily driving experience.
Remember to focus on the front doors first, as they provide the bulk of your soundstage. Don’t forget to use wiring adapters to keep your factory harness intact, and consider adding a little bit of sound-deadening material to really make those new 6x8s sing.
Whether you are blasting music on the highway or listening to a podcast on a trail, high-quality audio makes every mile better. Take your time, follow the steps, and enjoy the crisp, clear sound of your upgraded Ford F150! Stay safe and stay loud!
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