Swapping a KJ radio into a TJ

Metalmoto

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Joined
Oct 1, 2021
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45
Location
Philadelphia
Has anyone tried swapping a OEM radio from a Liberty KJ onto a TJ?

Before anyone thinks I'm an idiot for wanting to do this, please hear me out!
Sure I could get a metra kit, and install a double din, with Bluetooth and all the bells and whistles.

I don't need all of that, and live in the city, so don't want to make my Jeep a target for thieves.
I'd rather have a OEM Chrysler radio, with large buttons. I am old, and don't need a great sound system.

My CD player doesn't work, and nobody will repair these anymore. Trying to find a used good one is impossible.

But I have a good working radio/CD player from my old KJ that I like to install into my TJ.
However the mounting tabs are different. But I still think it's possible, with some minor modifications.
Yeah, the antenna plug is different. I have this adapter from my KJ somewhere.
And I already bought a metra plug that fits on to my KJ radio, so I can make a adapter, using the old harness.

I really hate cutting up the dash in any car. So, it can easily be put back to original.

Just wondered if anyone has done this?

Thanks
 
It could work. I doubt the harnesses are the same so you will have to overcome that issue. I would search the junkyards and cut out a KJ harness. Then you could splice it to a TJ metra harness by matching up the wires.
 
Yes, I already have the harness from my old KJ and a metra harness to adapt it.
The only issue is the mounting tabs are different.
First pic shows my TJ mounting tabs on opposite corners.
Second pic shows the way my KJ radio mounts.
Otherwise, it will fit. Just need to find a way to hold it in the dash.
Thinking I can fabricate some small metal pieces or something...

eBay has many "untested" radios. And the guaranteed good working ones cost $200+.
Not willing to take a chance on some untested junkyard radio, and $200 is just not worth it...

The antenna connector is different too. I'm sure I saved the adapter from my KJ, Just can't find it right now.
Once I find it, I will take apart the dash, and see what I can do to mount it in my TJ.

I will post my results with pics, in case anyone else wants to do this mod.

s-l200.jpg


shopping.png
 
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There must be a wrecker near by that has a radio like that. I believe lots of other Chrysler products had that same radio. If I remember correctly late 90’s rams had the same radio.
 
The KJ radio is just a new style TJ radio. If you read here about putting a new TJ radio into and old TJ it'll answer all your questions.