2007-2013 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra regular cab pickup
Upgrading the stereo system in your Silverado or Sierra
2007 • 2008 • 2009 • 2010 • 2011 • 2012 • 2013
Jon Paul
by Crutchfield's
Jon Paul
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gmc sierra
In brief: This Crutchfield Research Garage article gives you an overview of your truck's stock stereo system and your aftermarket upgrade options. Use our vehicle selector to find the gear that will fit your Silverado or Sierra.
Overview of the Silverado and Sierra
The best part of driving a regular cab pickup is that when you and three friends need to go someplace, you probably won't be the one driving. The worst part is that when one of those friends has to move something somewhere, you'll definitely be getting a phone call. Then again, that might eventually lead to free pizza, so maybe it's not that bad when you think about it....
The Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra regular cab trucks were typically more utilitarian than luxurious, but they were available with some decent (for the time) stock stereos. That said, at this point in your truck's life, the stock stuff is probably getting a bit tired. If your truck has a lot of life left in it, replacing the old gear is probably a good idea. Your friends will appreciate your new sound system while your'e heading across town with their new furniture.
gmc sierra radio
The dashes differ, but radio replacement is still pretty simple in these trucks (Crutchfield Research Photo)
Factory stereo system
Regular Cab (and Extended Cab) Silverados and Sierras were available with two different dash configurations. The lower trim level trucks have a "Type A" dash, while the mid- to upper-level trucks have a "Type B" dash.
Both configurations use the same mounting kit, which, along with an antenna adapter, is included at a deep discount with most Crutchfield stereo purchases. You'll also get our exclusive Crutchfield MasterSheet, which contains the illustrated, step-by-step instructions you'll need to remove the stock audio gear.
gmc sierra radio replacement
It's a big space, but not every double-DIN (4" tall) receiver will fit here (Crutchfield Research Photo)
Replacing your factory radio
A variety of single-DIN (2" tall) and double-DIN (4" tall) receivers will fit in these pickups, but there are some irregularities in the dash substructure that prevent certain double-DIN radios from fitting properly. It’s best to pick a double-DIN radio with wire harnesses or RCA connectors located on the bottom half of the back of the radio, but you can also go with a number of CD receivers or digital media receivers with a depth of less than 6-1/2". A receiver with a fold-down face will not work in this truck, though, so avoid those.
To get started, enter your truck's information on our Outfit My Car page, find the receiver you want, and add it to your cart. We'll show you which mounting kit you need, and you'll receive a big discount when you purchase everything together at Crutchfield. If you have any questions, especially when you're looking for the right double-DIN receiver, one of our Crutchfield Advisors will be happy to help you make the right choice.
Detailed stereo and speaker removal instructions
MasterSheet image
With step-by-step disassembly instructions and plenty of up-close, detailed photos, our exclusive Crutchfield MasterSheet™ takes the guesswork out of removing the factory stereo and speakers. It's free with your Crutchfield order, or you can purchase one separately for just $9.99.
You’ll also need to purchase an adapter that allows you to install a new stereo and still retain your warning chimes (along with OnStar functionality if you have it), plus a relay to keep your audible turn signals working with your new car stereo. These adapters are not free, but we'll give you a very nice discount on the ones you'll need for this installation.
Crutchfield strongly recommends that you use one of the recommended adapters. Failure to do so may result in serious injury or death. It will most certainly result in our (very) polite refusal to provide technical assistance when you call us for installation advice.
Tools needed: Panel tool, 7mm socket and ratchet
Steering wheel audio controls
It's relatively easy to retain the steering wheel audio controls when you install a new stereo in your pickup. When you enter your vehicle information, our database will choose the adapter you need to make your factory steering wheel controls work with your new receiver.
Shop for car stereos that fit your GMC Sierra
Replacing your factory speakers
gmc sierra front door speaker
We'll give you a nice discount on the installation gear you'll need for the doors (Crutchfield Research Photo)
Door speakers
You'll need to remove the door panel to access these speakers, of course. Depending on whether your truck has manual or power windows, there will be some differences in exactly how you do that. All will be explained in your MasterSheet.
The standard factory door speakers are closest in size to an aftermarket 6-3/4" model, but you’ll need an adapter plate to install any aftermarket speaker. You can install 6-3/4" or 6-1/2" speakers and the adapter plates make installation relatively easy. The factory speakers are 4-ohm models, so you have a wide selection to choose from.
You'll need speaker harnesses to attach the new speakers to the plugs that connect to the GM factory speakers. Crutchfield includes these harnesses, plus the mounting brackets you'll need, at a deep discount with every speaker order.
Tools needed: Panel tool, 7mm & 10mm drivers, flat blade screwdriver, needle-nose pliers
gmc sierra rear pillar speaker
Replacing the pillar speakers takes a little work, but it's nothing you can't handle (Crutchfield Research Photo)
Rear pillar speakers
These Regular Cab trucks have 4"x6" speakers mounted behind the rear side pillars. They can be replaced by same-size or 4" aftermarket speakers, though you'll need to re-drill the mounting screw holes no matter which size you choose. The drilling isn't any harder here than it is in your home workshop, but be smart, work carefully, and be sure to wear eye protection.
If you want to get maximum sound quality out of your new rear pillar speakers, purchase a set of foam baffles. These baffles fit snugly around the rear of the speaker to reduce rattling and improve performance. They also protect the speakers from dust and moisture, which is always a good thing in a truck. Baffles are an inexpensive addition that really makes a difference, here and in the doors.
Tools needed: Panel tool, small flat blade screwdriver, 7mm socket, ratchet and extension, Torx T-50 driver, drill with 1/8" bit
Shop for speakers that fit your GMC Sierra
gmc sierra rear sub space
There's not a ton of space for bass back here, but a powered sub might fit (Crutchfield Research Photo)
Bass in your Silverado or Sierra
There's not a lot of room for aftermarket bass in these trucks, but all is not lost. There are some small powered subwoofers that could fit back there. And if you want to power your other speakers with an aftermarket amplifier, there's space back here to mount that, too.
Shop for vehicle-specific subwoofers for your GMC Sierra
qforms kick panel pod
Q-Forms Kick Panel Enclosures (speaker not included) can really add to your sound.
Other upgrade options for your Silverado or Sierra
Here are some other upgrade ideas for your GM pickup:
Kick panel pods
If you really want to improve the sound in your Silverado or Sierra, install a set of Q-Forms Kick Panel Pods. These unloaded, custom-fit speaker enclosures fit into the space where your kick panels are now. They hold a set of component speakers in an ideal position, angling them to maximize sound quality. They're available in a variety of colors to match your truck's interior. Installation takes some work, but it's not beyond the realm of an experienced DIY-er.
Portable nav
If you don't want to invest in a big double-DIN receiver, you can still get the nav you need and more with a Garmin portable navigation unit. A portable GPS can be transferred from vehicle to vehicle, or just tucked into a storage compartment when not in use.
Remote start and security systems
Adding remote start capability to your vehicle lets you warm it up in the winter or cool it down in the summer. The iDatastart system is incredibly convenient and makes it easier than ever to install a remote start system, so we highly recommend it. The module requires a vehicle-specific T-harness (sold separately) to connect with your vehicle's computer, security, and ignition systems, so we ask that you call to order so that we can make sure you get the right harness for your ride.
You can also talk to your Crutchfield Advisor about a security system. They’re not as easy to install (we usually suggest letting a professional do the job), but we can help you choose a system that’ll work in your vehicle.
Shop for car security systems for your GMC Sierra