The Chevy Silverado 1500 (2014-2018) is a big pickup truck powered by a pair of V-8 engines that offer class-leading horsepower and can tow a large weight of 15,500 pounds – genuinely a highly dependable vehicle that’s ready to drive on any terrain.
This pickup truck comes in a variety of cab types and bed lengths to accommodate a variety of uses, including work, long drives, and family use. Here’s how the Silverado 1500 differs:
Single Cab / Regular Cab – Best for truck shoppers that need a work truck with maximum bed length. No seats for rear passengers. Can seat up to 3 passengers.
Double Cab / Extended Cab – Best for truck drivers that need a balance between passenger room and bed length, has less rear passenger room than Crew Cab. Seats up to 6 passengers.
Crew Cab – Best for truck drivers who often transport passengers for extended periods of time. Seats up to 6 passengers.
Regardless of what cab type your Chevy Silverado 1500 has, all of them are known to have an excellent infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. But if you want to take your factory devices up a notch, this blog will help you to assemble the best aftermarket audio for your reliable Silverado.
Factory audio system overview
The Silverado interior is more than you expect from a truck. Aside from its spacious cabin, its dash features the 7″ Chevrolet MyLink Technology touch-screen that allows you to make phone calls, access playlists, and get information you need while driving. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and the front console’s four USB ports are all examples of the available technology.
Two pairs of headphones, a handheld controller, and a single 9.2-inch screen are all included with the optional rear-seat DVD/Blue-ray entertainment system. The infotainment screen in the center stack reacts rapidly to inputs. You may control it by touching the screen icons or by pressing the handy hard buttons that are just underneath it.
Removing and upgrading the factory radio
To prevent any electrical short that may occur, set your car’s parking brake and disconnect the battery cable.
The Silverado 1500 can fit a single-DIN, double-DIN aftermarket receiver, or you can upgrade your factory radio with an OEM replacement stereo for a simple plug-and-play installation. When you order from Sonic Electronix, you’ll save on the installation accessories required for your installation. Depending on your 2018 Silverado 1500 and the stereo you buy, you’ll see a calculated discount after you add your vehicle information and the stereo to your cart. We also offer free lifetime technical support for the product that you bought.
When removing your stock receiver, you’ll have to cut out the plastic rails inside that supports the factory stereo unit. Taking these off means permanently disabling the chance to insert your old receiver again. In order to keep your truck’s warning chimes and OnStar features, you’ll also need to buy an adapter. We recommend PAC LCGM29, as it retains all safety warning chimes when installing aftermarket radio specifically for 2006-2017 Chevrolet vehicles.
When you install an aftermarket receiver on your truck, you’ll need to move the module if your truck has OnStar. You can simply access it once the receiver has been removed. To complete the task, unhook the wiring harnesses from the OnStar module while releasing the clasp on the module’s top. Remove the module and place it in the area made available by removing the stock CD player. After moving the OnStar Module, make sure to reconnect it because failing to do so will prevent you from starting your truck.
Retaining steering wheel audio controls
Upgrading the factory speakers
To get the best and most accurate speaker choices for your Chevy Silverado 1500, make sure to input your vehicle in our Vehicle Fit Guide on our main Sonic Electronix website.
Dash speakers removal
To loosen the retaining clips, pry out the driver’s side pillar trim panel starting at the top edge. Release the retention strap, then press downward to lift the trim panel. Then, using the grab handle on the passenger-side pillar, pry open both screw covers and remove one 10mm screw from each location. Lift and remove that panel.
To free multiple retaining clips, pry up the grille/defroster panel. Then, twist the sensor assembly to release it. The two 7mm screws holding the speaker in place should then be removed. It should be removed, disconnected, and pulled out.
Secure the new speaker in place from here and then establish your connections. Make that both speakers are operational by testing them. Reassemble everything together once the speakers are operational.
Front door speakers removal
In order to begin, place your small flat-bladed screwdriver into the pry point, pry out the screw cover that is located behind the door release, and then remove one 7mm screw from the location. Then, go down the door and remove the two 7mm screws at the bottom edge of the door panel. Repeat the process with the screw cover within the door pull cup.
If your windows are powered, push out the armrest trim strip’s bottom edge to release four clips, then take it off. Doing so will reveal a 7mm screw that needs to be removed as well. If your truck has manual windows, you’ll need to detach the C-clip at the back of the crank until you can remove the crank by using a clean rag.
After that, loosen the thirteen retaining clips by prying out the sides and bottom of the door panel with your panel tool. Remove the door panel and store it safely while you work after disconnecting the electrical harness and door release cable. The stock speaker’s top 7mm screw must be removed before you can pry it out, unplug it, and set it aside. Connect the speaker wiring adapter to the factory wiring after attaching your new speaker to the adapter bracket. Before you begin putting the door back together, make sure you test it out.
Rear pillar speakers (Standard Cab) removal
In the rear pillars of trucks with Standard Cabs are 4″x6″ speakers. Although drilling new mounting screw holes for your aftermarket speakers is required, removing them is often not too challenging. Make sure to test your new pillar speakers before you tighten everything back up because this removal/replacement process involves removing a fair lot of panels and different delicate pieces.
Rear door speakers (Double Cab & Crew Cab) removal
Full-size rear doors on both Double and Crew Cab house 6.75″ speakers, which are manageable and can be swapped out for a variety of aftermarket types.
Carefully follow the instructions included in your Sonic Electronix speaker purchase for the effective installation of your new speakers. The speaker removal process here is pretty similar in most ways to the work done on the front doors.
Adding a custom subwoofer for your Chevy Silverado 1500 (2014-2018)
When it comes to adding bass to your Silverado 1500, the MJMECHEV8D1 custom-fit enclosure from Memphis Audio is made to fit Chevrolet and GMC Crew Cab pickups from 2007 and up without requiring any truck modifications. Two MOJO Mini 8″ subs can deliver an impressive 1800 watts RMS of impact, and the side port of the enclosure adds some extra force.
Make sure your sub amp is stable down to 1 ohm as this enclosure has a total impedance of 1 ohm. For ease and convenience in finding the right amplifier for your custom sub, check out AmpliFinder: An Amplifier Finder Tool designed and tested by Sonic Electronix.
Optional: Installing a backup camera
When parking in confined locations, operating a large pickup truck like the Chevy Silverado 1500 may be challenging. For your benefit when you drive in reverse, we advise that you have a rearview camera. For your vehicle, Sonic Electronix offers a wide selection of backup cameras that are compatible. Watch our video above for a thorough guide on how to install one.
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