Installing a 3rd party amplifier on TJ with factory amp and sub

[bobcat]

Any pointers on how to install a 3rd party amplifier on a TJ which came with the factory amp and sub in the center console? The jeep already has an aftermarket JVC head unit with RCA ports.

I want to install a JL Audio JD250/1 mono amp with a kicker sub. What to do with the 12-way connector which goes to the factory amp?

 

[L J]

The jeep already has an aftermarket JVC head unit with RCA ports.

I want to install a JL Audio JD250/1 mono amp with a kicker sub. What to do with the 12-way connector which goes to the factory amp?

Remove it along with the factory sub and amp?

 

[bobcat]

So it's only used for the factory sub and the amp? I see the pin out diagram of that 12-way connector has some connections to the front and rear speakers.

 

[LONGJP2]

IIRC, the center console speaker is driven from the other (4) speakers.

 

[TheBoogieman]

The Jeep center console sub and amp are crap. Remove both if you actually like music.

 

[bobcat]

The Jeep center console sub and amp are crap. Remove both if you actually like music.

I am more than happy to remove them! So I can leave the 12 pin connector hanging?

 

[L J]

I am more than happy to remove them! So I can leave the 12 pin connector hanging?

I've removed my center console and drove my Jeep for weeks. I've also listened to the radio during that time.

 

[suicideking]

Not that these components were ever that good to begin with, but add around 20 years and they're going to sound bad. If you really want good sound, need to replace everything. The acoustics are pretty terrible anyway. Hard top will be better, but still not good.

 

[Jodh]

Just get you a small 5 channel amp, new speakers and an 8 or 10" sub you'll be rocking on down the road. This is what I run and it works great on the 8" Fosgate sub as well as the other 4 speakers.
https://www.crutchfield.com/p_020XC2510/Clarion-XC2510.html?tp=35808

 

[bobcat]

I've removed my center console and drove my Jeep for weeks. I've also listened to the radio during that time.

I removed the 12 way connector which goes to the center console and the sound still comes out of the other 4 speakers. This is amazing. So that conclusively establishes that the other 4 speakers are not running from the amp. Although the sound was not really that good with the amp connected.

Now, I have to wire up the new amp and use the RCA outputs from the head unit to connect to the new aftermarket amp.

 

[bobcat]

Just get you a small 5 channel amp, new speakers and an 8 or 10" sub you'll be rocking on down the road. This is what I run and it works great on the 8" Fosgate sub as well as the other 4 speakers.
https://www.crutchfield.com/p_020XC2510/Clarion-XC2510.html?tp=35808

Thanks Jodh! This will be the next upgrade. For now I am sticking to a 6.75" kicker sub and mono channel amp.

Wiring up the 5 channel amp is not something I am familiar with at the moment. But if you have any pointers on a HOWTO, that will be sweet.

 

[Jodh]

It's simple rca leads out of the head unit into the amp then speaker wire out to the 5 speakers. Power, ground and remote lead. The instructions that come with the amp are pretty good to with pictures.

 

[jkosten]

I am more than happy to remove them! So I can leave the 12 pin connector hanging?

Just unplug it at the console. I just finished installing a Kicker 6.75 in my 02 and Kicker amp under the seat. With an aftermarket stereo head unit you won't have problems.

You might want to replace the other speakers and remove any of the stock resistors / capacitors at the speaker pods (if you have them). Then the aftermarket head unit and speakers can work as intended.

Attached files: plate measurements, amp installed under driver seat, oem vs Kicker sub.

 

[bobcat]

Just unplug it at the console. I just finished installing a Kicker 6.75 in my 02 and Kicker amp under the seat. With an aftermarket stereo head unit you won't have problems.

You might want to replace the other speakers and remove any of the stock resistors / capacitors at the speaker pods (if you have them). Then the aftermarket head unit and speakers can work as intended.

Attached files: plate measurements, amp installed under driver seat, oem vs Kicker sub.

View attachment 393978

View attachment 393979

View attachment 393980

View attachment 393981

Nice setup! What is the model number of the kicker sub and amp that you used?

 

[jkosten]

Nice setup! What is the model number of the kicker sub and amp that you used?

A 10+ year old version of Kicker amp 125.2 and new Kicker comprt 6.75. I am running it bridged at amp and series at speaker to be 4 ohm and it gets loud enough to rattle all the TJ plastic. Paired with all new Polk Speakers, I could not be happier with the performance for fitting all stock locations.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01G7DWH3G/?tag=wranglerorg-20
KICKER CompRT 6.75"(165mm) Subwoofer, DVC, 2-ohm, RoHS Compliant https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08NFJRMHP/?tag=wranglerorg-20

 

[Goombah]

It's simple rca leads out of the head unit into the amp then speaker wire out to the 5 speakers. Power, ground and remote lead. The instructions that come with the amp are pretty good to with pictures.

A bit late to the party on this, but I have this amp (bought if for another Jeep that got stolen before we could use it) and will be installing it shortly. I will be using it to power my entire system as well- Kicker sub in the center console and 4 new speakers. Just have to get everything in order. Would really like to know where you mounted yours? Since I will be running all new speaker wires I'm looking for a good location that is out of the way- preferably not under a seat, etc.

 

[Jodh]

I mounted mine to a board then attached the board upside down to the bottom of the steering shaft. There are 2 bolts to attach it to. Give me a couple days and I'll pull the dash panel off and get some pics.

 

[AdelaideTJ]

I mounted mine to a board then attached the board upside down to the bottom of the steering shaft. There are 2 bolts to attach it to. Give me a couple days and I'll pull the dash panel off and get some pics.

Hi Jodh, very eager to see this as I am looking to do a similar install in the coming weeks and also want to avoid mounting under seat. Cheers

 

[Jodh]

Hi Jodh, very eager to see this as I am looking to do a similar install in the coming weeks and also want to avoid mounting under seat. Cheers

Sorry been sick. Finally got out to take some pics. Not the greatest but you can prob get the idea. Amp is silver mounted to the black board then used angle brackets to mount to the 2 bolts on steering column. Just make sure the wires all stay clear of moving parts.

 

[Akitadog]

These photos will also help explain what Jodh is talking about.



I might have a PDF with measurements at work... no find...