HAS ANYONE PUT A NEW SCREEN RADIO/STEREO IN A JEEP RECENTLY MY SON JUST PURCHASED A 2004 JEEP WRANGLER AND HE WANTS TO GET ONE
Has anyone put a new radio in their TJ?
- Thread starter hudsonsmom
- Start date
Hi Hudson's Mom. Sure, plenty of people have installed new radios in their TJs. There are about 1 trillion options with new radios, though. You'll have to find out what Hudson is looking for in a new unit. Regardless, there are websites like Crutchfield.com which are really great at helping you pick out all the different parts of a new system.
And turn your capslock off if you can.
And turn your capslock off if you can.
When in doubt order for on Crutchfield as they will include the mounting brackets and direction to install.
The oem radio is a 1.5 din size are not easily available in a screen type but there are a few Chinese units out there. Search Google for a 1.5 din radio for Jeep and you will get a few hits..
i would suggest going to Amazon and look at the 2 din center bezel conversion kit for Jeep Wrangler. Not expensive and opens up the selection by a factor of 100.
The TJ has many options. Some a little harder than others.
Does he want a Car Play or Android Auto compatible system? If so, it's a little more involved but not difficult by any means. A good head unit runs between $300-$400 and good quality replacement speakers run another $150-$200 or so for 2 pair. That basic system will improve the stock sound system 100%
Crutchfield has everything you need if you want to do it yourself. They have detailed instructions and great service before you buy. They even have detailed install manuals for the TJ. I'd suggest you start there.
There are several of us who've recently upgraded the sound systems.
Here's some light reading:
https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/upgrading-the-sound-system-on-your-jeep-wrangler-tj.11104/
https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/show-me-your-head-unit.37853/
Does he want a Car Play or Android Auto compatible system? If so, it's a little more involved but not difficult by any means. A good head unit runs between $300-$400 and good quality replacement speakers run another $150-$200 or so for 2 pair. That basic system will improve the stock sound system 100%
Crutchfield has everything you need if you want to do it yourself. They have detailed instructions and great service before you buy. They even have detailed install manuals for the TJ. I'd suggest you start there.
There are several of us who've recently upgraded the sound systems.
Here's some light reading:
https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/upgrading-the-sound-system-on-your-jeep-wrangler-tj.11104/
https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/show-me-your-head-unit.37853/
Last edited:
This is a good quality head unit from Kenwood.
https://www.crutchfield.com/p_113KMX704/Kenwood-Excelon-KMM-X704.html
We here can suggest many, many wonderful things for your son's TJ. Check your bank account balances and get back to us and we will put together a list. And think nothing of it, we are glad to help! 
Here's mine:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B089RB1YX9/?tag=wranglerorg-20
Installation is more involved than just pulling the old one out and sliding in the new one. So if someone in the family is inclined and has the tools this can be a good option. As mentioned, it also needs the Metra conversion kit:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06Y493WRN/?tag=wranglerorg-20.
I'm pretty happy overall. The backup camera option is really helpful. Bluetooth phone is nice. There are some limitations (firmware driven) so it's worth checking into those.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B089RB1YX9/?tag=wranglerorg-20
Installation is more involved than just pulling the old one out and sliding in the new one. So if someone in the family is inclined and has the tools this can be a good option. As mentioned, it also needs the Metra conversion kit:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06Y493WRN/?tag=wranglerorg-20.
I'm pretty happy overall. The backup camera option is really helpful. Bluetooth phone is nice. There are some limitations (firmware driven) so it's worth checking into those.
derekmac
TJ Addict
Go here https://www.crutchfield.com/g_300/All-Car-Stereos.html?tp=5684 enter the info for the Jeep, then pick the one he wants. You be able to get everything needed to install it at a discounted price as well.
call or chat with Crutchfield and tell them year/make/model and that you want a double din head unit
Was it a difficult process ....what tools are need this is the one my son wants to put in does he need the plate cover kit ?Here's mine:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B089RB1YX9/?tag=wranglerorg-20
Installation is more involved than just pulling the old one out and sliding in the new one. So if someone in the family is inclined and has the tools this can be a good option. As mentioned, it also needs the Metra conversion kit:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06Y493WRN/?tag=wranglerorg-20.
I'm pretty happy overall. The backup camera option is really helpful. Bluetooth phone is nice. There are some limitations (firmware driven) so it's worth checking into those.
View attachment 179398
brewtus98
TJ Enthusiast
Just put Alpine Bluetooth in daughters TJ- Go with Crutchfield you won’t be sorry- give you EVERYTHING you need- been using them for 30 years. Super easy on a TJ too. $109 total.
TJ2
TJ Expert
Not really. Removing the old bezel requires a phillips screwdriver and something to gently pry the bottom of the bezel from the push-in connectors. More phillips screws to remove the old radio. Disconnect the radio harness. The trickiest part of the replacement is in cutting the old radio bracket to go from a single DIN to a double DIN opening. I used an oscillating multi-tool for that job but it could be done a number of ways. (The bracket is plastic and not hard to cut.)
The Metra kit has the appropriate frame for attaching the new head unit (aka "radio"). The second trickiest step would be wiring the new head unit to the existing wiring harness. This step just requires one to pay attention and match the appropriate wires together. Crutchfield sells a kit for $60 to do this. It was not hard so that seemed like way too much money. Crimping is the new style for connecting wires. This requires a wire crimper (https://www.amazon.com/Crimping-Tool-Heat-Shrink-Connectors?tag=wranglerorg-20) and butt connectors (https://www.amazon.com/Heat-Shrink-Butt-Connectors-Waterproof?tag=wranglerorg-20). Crutchfield might be looking better if you don't have access to these tools.
After that, there's the adjustment of the head unit until it fits well in the bezel. Reattach the bezel and it's done.
I looked at some youtube videos before tackling it and recommend that process.
The process of wiring the backup camera was more subtle. That's one you might want to hire out if you can't find someone who is experienced.
If my mom gets on here, I'm checking out.
The stories she will tell.
The stories she will tell.
Crutchfield is my choice too, but I live 2 miles from their retail store. You can return stuff for ANY REASON within 30 days. Also, they have a ReadyHarness option so you don't have to splice any wires for the head unit. Complete plug and play for everything.
No need to spend $60 to do that either. Complete plug and play.
https://www.crutchfield.com/S-NrkGC9l1wEQ/p_264PASCON/Crutchfield-ReadyHarness-Service.html
Just my two cents,, I just installed a new radio and new speakers in my TJ. Bought everything I needed from Crutchfield including the readymade harness for $24.95. This was my first time installing a radio and along with crutchfield and the folks on this forum, it was easy. Good luck!