Upgrading the sound system on your Jeep Wrangler TJ

[JMT]

Yeah my TJ doesnt have the factory sub console and like you @bobthetj03 i have have an empty space for my center console. I think doing some fab work on the one i have might be the route i need to take because i have the beige interior and it would be a pain trying to find one with the same color scheme. Every audio shop i have taken to seem to scratch their heads anytime i make suggestions to them or any idea's on how to get better bass outside of the sound bar and stock front mount speakers. I do appreciate it though gentleman. Maybe @JMT will have some insight.

WTH is going on here?!

Okay, my sub is a powered sub, Rockford Fosgate PS-8. I did not mount it in the console because I wanted to use my console for other stuff and maybe even a cooler one day. So, what I did was mount it on the bottom of the rear seat. NOT on the floor under the rear seat, on the bottom of the seat itself. These are slimline self-powered subs that fit there well and don't take up any useable space in our tiny TJ's. I can take pics if someone wants, but I think you're looking for a console solution. But mine's better! LOL I get a console AND a sub and nobody even knows where it is, except you guys!

And I still love it a year and 9 months later.

 

[L-Beez]

WTH is going on here?!

Okay, my sub is a powered sub, Rockford Fosgate PS-8. I did not mount it in the console because I wanted to use my console for other stuff and maybe even a cooler one day. So, what I did was mount it on the bottom of the rear seat. NOT on the floor under the rear seat, on the bottom of the seat itself. These are slimline self-powered subs that fit there well and don't take up any useable space in our tiny TJ's. I can take pics if someone wants, but I think you're looking for a console solution. But mine's better! LOL I get a console AND a sub and nobody even knows where it is, except you guys!

And I still love it a year and 9 months later.

That's actually a great suggestion and instead of having the headache of taking the console and making some custom fabrications. I do like this idea. Thanks for the feedback!

 

[bobthetj03]

WTH is going on here?!

Okay, my sub is a powered sub, Rockford Fosgate PS-8. I did not mount it in the console because I wanted to use my console for other stuff and maybe even a cooler one day. So, what I did was mount it on the bottom of the rear seat. NOT on the floor under the rear seat, on the bottom of the seat itself. These are slimline self-powered subs that fit there well and don't take up any useable space in our tiny TJ's. I can take pics if someone wants, but I think you're looking for a console solution. But mine's better! LOL I get a console AND a sub and nobody even knows where it is, except you guys!

And I still love it a year and 9 months later.

Looks like a sound off will be in order during our Moab trip brah!

 

[JMT]

That's actually a great suggestion and instead of having the headache of taking the console and making some custom fabrications. I do like this idea. Thanks for the feedback!

I got a date with my girlfriend/wife, so I’ll post a pic up later.

Looks like a sound off will be in order during our Moab trip brah!

It’s on brah!

 

[Sloguy]

I have a 1999 Sahara and rewired and replaced the entire sound system a couple of months ago. I mounted my Kenwood powered sub on the floor under the rear seat. If I decided to take the seat out the sub would stay. I can easily put a box over sub so it won't get smashed while loading gear. Amp mounted on trunk enclosure. Very clean looking and you wouldn't know it was there as I have a soft top and don't lock doors. I do still have carpet so that helps with hiding wires. My components are listed in my profile. All are marine rated except sub. I think I paid $500 for everything on amazon. I did need new circular front mounting brackets for speakers but that was an easy modification.

 

[JMcD]

I like Chris's set up also but instead of the separate amp & sub go with the powered sub and do like Sloguy, mount it on the floor under rear seat. I normally have the back seat out for the dogs and what not and will just have to have a durable cover.

PIONEER DEH-S5000BT
4 ea. PIONEER TS-G1345R 5-1/4”
Rockford Fosgate PS-8 8" Powered Sub

Any thoughts on a set-up like this?

 

[Chris]

I like Chris's set up also but instead of the separate amp & sub go with the powered sub and do like Sloguy, mount it on the floor under rear seat. I normally have the back seat out for the dogs and what not and will just have to have a durable cover.

PIONEER DEH-S5000BT
4 ea. PIONEER TS-G1345R 5-1/4”
Rockford Fosgate PS-8 8" Powered Sub

Any thoughts on a set-up like this?

I've seen people with similar setups and it works great. Truth be told, if mine didn't already have the provision for the factory center console subwoofer, I would have done it your way.

 

[JMcD]

Thanks for the vote of confidence Chris! I'm a somewhat of novice on building an audio system like this so it's a huge help for DIY's like myself.

 

[Chris]

Thanks for the vote of confidence Chris! I'm a somewhat of novice on building an audio system like this so it's a huge help for DIY's like myself.

No worries! I'm not an audio expert by any means. This was my first attempt ever at building my own audio system, but it sure did turn out excellent!

 

[JMcD]

Chris, im looking to PM you, is that possible?

 

[Sloguy]

Here are a few pictures of what I did. I haven't installed an audio system since the 80s and this was much easier than I remember. I just took my time and with the money I saved doing it myself I bought some quality crimpers and connectors. The learning curve was figuring out the proper use of the crimpers. I rewired everything that the previous installer did. They had the wires run under the carpet on driver floor pan and rear seat. I found this out when I took the carpet out to clean when I got a little too deep and water got into the cab. If you use the factory wiring you don't need to do much. I ran new 14 guage wire for the speakers. Also ran the power along the passenger side and speaker and RCA wire on the drivers side to keep them separate. Make sure you have a good ground to the amp and sub if you go that direction. Photos show how circular 5 1/4 fronts look behind the cover. Sound bar has 6 1/2. Sub with seat folded up and seat folded down. Amp mounted to the trunk enclosure (be sure to use acorn nuts so you don't cut yourself reaching in the back, found that out with the previous self tapping screws the other guy installed)

 

[Sloguy]

I like Chris's set up also but instead of the separate amp & sub go with the powered sub and do like Sloguy, mount it on the floor under rear seat. I normally have the back seat out for the dogs and what not and will just have to have a durable cover.

PIONEER DEH-S5000BT
4 ea. PIONEER TS-G1345R 5-1/4”
Rockford Fosgate PS-8 8" Powered Sub

Any thoughts on a set-up like this?

This setup should work just fine. I replaced my Pioneer 5200HD because it did not have bluetooth and my daughter likes to use her phone to hook up to the stereo. It was ok but I didn't care for the way the faceplate connected. I chose the JVC KD-X35MBS as I no longer use CDs anymore and I have a USB nub (you can see it on my head unit, white piece). My previous setup had 2 amps (one for the head unit and one for the sub) and a bazooka tube subwoofer which took up almost all the space in the trunk locker. You may need to add an amp if your head unit is not loud enough. I'm old with bad hearing and a soft top so I needed it. Good luck on the install, take your time and mark your wires so you don't cross connect anything.

 

[Dsekmc]

I’m looking at replacing the sub in the center console (its blown) the amplifier (no longer working) and the head unit if possible. My price range is about 450-500 for the whole setup. I don’t need to replace the sound bar or dash speakers. Thanks.

 

[rasband]

I’m looking at replacing the sub in the center console (its blown) the amplifier (no longer working) and the head unit if possible. My price range is about 450-500 for the whole setup. I don’t need to replace the sound bar or dash speakers. Thanks.

My entire outfit was around there, well worth replacing the rubbish paper cones from the factory:

* 4xPolk DB522 ($116, 2 come per order): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01EZWFNKA/?tag=wranglerorg-20 (check crutchfield for the jeep adapters)
* 1xSound Ordnance B-8PTD ($150) - plus you'll need a wiring kit for the positive + in-line fuse at $10-20: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IF9IIWK/?tag=wranglerorg-20
* 2xDash Pods ($80) - seriously you will want these, otherwise sound is just lost on the front dash: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00T1AB28Y/?tag=wranglerorg-20
* Sony XAV-AX100 ($200) - this goes out of your budget, and I got a steal on it, but figured I would include the full build.

The polks fit the factory location dash+sound bar (in the dash with the dash pod addition, otherwise you need 4x6 or an adapter plate, but really you want the dash pod) and the sub replaced the center console one by just sitting in there where the factory box would have been once I removed it.

Before you choose a head that's ~$350-$375, leaving a nice bit of the budget for a head unit (unless you want to go CarPlay or Android Auto support, but just bluetooth/aux would work in this budget).

 

[Devinr29]

I have a circa 2005 head unit in mine, I'm looking to upgrade to something with Bluetooth and was thinking about getting some 20 dollar sony speakers for the soundbar, and an Amazon head unit for about 60 bucks hopefully it will work out.

 

[jazngab]

Looking for some help....hooked up my kicker amp and sub and I’m not getting power to the amp. Checked all the connections and fuse and headunit working but amp not turning on. Any suggestions? I’m thinking maybe it’s my ground connection? Would this ground work? Or does it have to be directly to the tub? That’s connected to the parking brake assembly.

 

[JMcD]

So I went with the Infinity Basslink SM powered sub under the rear seat. Front and rear speakers powered from head unit via stock wiring provides 14 watts RMS (50 peak) to the 4 channels. Sounds good but I’m still dialing it in as I never have messed with crossovers and the sub with the gain and loudness and all that.

PIONEER DEH-S5000BT stereo ($80)
PIONEER TS-G1345R 5-1/4” round 2-way speakers for the dash ($30) (w/adaptor plates ($12)
PIONEER TS-A1676R 6-1/2” 3-way speakers for the sound bar ($80)
Infinity BassLink SM powered 8” slimline subwoofer ($200)
RCA patch cables 15’ ($20?)
Power cables were found in one of those boxes I saved for decades and was finally able to use
$420 total

I haven driven it yet so I’ll have to report back at a later date for a final review.​

 

[JMcD]

jazngab, looks like a solid ground to me...just make sure that ridged support piece is bolted directly to the tub and/or frame with no insulating washers or something similar...also I would suggest a test. run a wire with some alligator clips from the battery to that ground connection. it doesn't have to a large wire cause you wont be amping up. all our looking for is the power light on the amp to go on.

 

[JMcD]

speaking of crossovers...any suggestions on where to start in reference to my above post?

I'm talking about the setting for the crossovers in the pioneer unit, front, rear and sub.

 

['99WranglerSport]

Good thread to read. I have a '99 TJ that didn't come with a center console set up for a subwoofer. I bought a new head unit, sound bar speakers and dashboard speakers. I'd like an amp and a subwoofer to complete it. However, as I said, my center console didn't come with a subwoofer setup. Also, I took my backseat out and have the weathertech cargo liner there, so under the backseat isn't an option either. Any other places that I could put a subwoofer? I also can't mount it to the back door, as I have the G.E.A.R. tailgate bags installed there. Under my driver seat is the Tuffy conceal carry box.

I'd be ok with buying the amp and subwoofer that Chris bought if I could find a place for them. Thanks in advance for your help.