1st gen audio upgrade suggestions, priorities, kick panels?

Cliff notes version:

Has anybody done kick panel front speakers in a 1st gen and how much of a difference did it make in sound quality? Is it worth it, or should I just get good speakers and sound deadening?


Non Cliff notes version:

I'm halfway through my audio upgrade and trying to decide what will make the biggest sound difference. My goal is good clean sound that's fun to listen to on my commute. I currently have a Kenwood DVD head unit, alpine 300 watt mono amp and a 10" jl sub in a subzero box. It's a tiny box, but I really like how tight and punchy the bass is.

Next step is front speakers. I had 2 T100's before my tundra and I had focal speakers in one and Kicker components in the other both powered by a jl audio 2 channel amp that put out 90 watts per channel. The focal highs were a little too bright and the kicker lacked midbass, but they were 5.25. I never did any sound deadening in either truck although I had planned to. (I even have the sound deadening)

So my question, what will make the biggest difference in sound quality? Sound deadening, new speakers, or go all in and buy kick panels?

 

I can only comment in a general sense on kick panels cause I have no experience with the 1st gens, but, generally speaking, kick panels are a great place for your mids.

I've seen tweeters also mounted with the mids in the kick panels, too. Can't speak for how it sounded, have only seen it.

Biggest sound improvement IMO, sound deadening/treating your doors can really be a huge improvement.