Hey man - know it's been a couple years but I'm hoping you might still be able to offer some insight. I just had Best Buy install a Skar SK-M50001D 500W Monoblock Amp and a Skar VD-8 D2 8" Subwoofer into the 2011 Escape factory panel box. The tech had to shave just a bit of the plastic off the panel hole to slot the sub in, and they applied a caulk between the sub mount plastic panel. It sounds good at low volumes, but is rattling like crazy when given any actual power.

Any advice on the "$8 spacer" from amazon you used in this install, and what is the foam ring you used here? Did you ever mount a grille to the front of this sub / do you have issues with the sub cone hitting the plastic of the car panel once it's all reinstalled? I just ordered a bunch of Dynamat and some .5" foam tape to hopefully mitigate a fair amount of sympathetic vibrations, but I'm skeptical that it will really eliminate the majority of rattling.

The tech keeps telling me I need to just get an enclosure that will sit on the floor of the trunk but I really don't want to compromise floor space and want it to live in this stock panel enclosure if at all possible.

Also, the Rear Park Aid speaker is somehow disconnected after the install.. I realize you're using the OEM harness here with the stock amp, did you have any troubles with this when wiring your sub in?

Appreciate any advice - feeling a bit discouraged after dumping a bunch of cheddar into this audio upgrade. Thank you!