Currently running the stock head unit. I want to change it out to a DDin unit but keep the stock subwoofer which is in great condition. The new head unit comes with 2 rca jacks for subwoofers. I was wondering if the stock setup was driving the sub amp from the 4 channels FR,FL,RR,RL or if there is a separate circuit driving the sub amp? can't find any schematics for this and hoping someone has already done what i am about to attempt. Any guidance would be appreciated. TIA
06 LJ subwoofer question
- Thread starter Maddart
- Start date
LONGJP2
TJ Expert
The factory sub is driven from all 4 oem speaker signals.
IIRC, you should be able to drive it from your new head unit, but not with the factory wiring.
YRMV
FSM
https://wranglertjforum.com/threads...ice-manuals-fsm-technical-documentation.4618/
More info
https://wranglertjforum.com/threads...nsole-subwoofer-wires.6814/page-2#post-887080
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fourpointzero
TJ Addict
Gut the sub (even though it's in 'great' condition) and in its place, install a self-powered sub from Crutchfield. I believe mine is an 8". One of the top 5 modifications Ive done on my TJ since owning it. Wish I could give you a listen / feel of my audio. It's best described as full, loud and more than ample on the highway with my top down.
DeltaNu1142
TJ Enthusiast
I’ve got my console out now, with the sub unhooked and uninstalled. I’ve seen others put a 6.75” sub in here… but a whole powered speaker? What did you find that fits, and did you have to remove it all from its enclosure to pack it into the console?
EDIT: A Kicker 11HS8 is 14-1/4"W x 3-1/4"H x 9-3/8"D. A cheapo Sound Ordnance B-8PTD is a little smaller at 9-1/8"W x 3-1/8"H x 13-5/8"D. The Alpine PWE-S8 is smaller still at 13.4"W x 2.875"H x 9.062"D. I’ll have to do some measuring this morning.
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DeltaNu1142
TJ Enthusiast
Inside of subwoofer-equipped console:
- Length - 13-1/2” usable, at floor of cubby
- Height to floor of cubby - 9-5/16”
- Width - 7-1/2”
fourpointzero
TJ Addict
This is exactly where I installed mine. Its discrete and out of sight to onlookers. Plus, keeps the little space available in a TJ.
fourpointzero
TJ Addict
Sound Ordnance, yes. I also used a wiring kit from Crutchfield to get the amp operating. Its basically two RCA's to the back of the amp, one power and one ground, which I connected to the ground ribbon behind the new radio. The power connected to the harness of the new radio so that when I turn on my radio it fires up the sub.
I'm looking to replace the sub in my '06 LJ as well. Seems a bunch have said the Sound Ordnance fits easy in place of the factory sub box. The Kicker 11HS8 is marginally bigger. The kicker has a 25 Hz freq response so i'm thinking of giving it a try over the Sound Ordnance. I'm just curious if any have tried and how it fit. Did the tray in the center console have to be gutted?
fourpointzero
TJ Addict
There's a video on YouTube that I recently watched and the gentleman had to use a Dremel tool because the magnet was a little too large. Not sure which Kicker he used. But I'll guess its the same one you're talking about. To me, there is no benefit with staying stock. There's more work involved for a subwoofer design that's way out of date. But that's just my opinion. I know some people have tighter budgets so they prefer to go with the replacement speaker, but the sound ordinance is just absolutely perfect as an update for the Jeep TJ sound.
DeltaNu1142
TJ Enthusiast
Based on the measurements I've taken, I think you can keep the tray. I think the challenge will be mounting, though that can probably be solved with some metal strapping and VHB tape. It would be an ideal use of a 3D printer to print up a custom mount, but mine's out of commission.
The kicker 11HS8 is an all-in-one sub/amp/box just like the sound ordnance (i'd toss away the old sub box). The kicker hits lower frequencies which is the only reason i am considering over the sound ordnance.
fourpointzero
TJ Addict
Oh then, by all means, go with it. I think there's about .75 inches of room below the tray for the sound ordinance. I definitely didn't alter or touch the tray whatsoever. That was a big plus in my opinion. As far as length goes, there's probably about an 1 inch, maybe close to 2 inches of space total from the side of the sound ordinance. So length-wise there's a bit more room.
Seems others using the sound ordnance have just stuffed it in the console. Was planning on just using some foam cushion tape on the parts that come in contact. Only one way to find out what works right?
DeltaNu1142
TJ Enthusiast
DeltaNu1142
TJ Enthusiast
Exactly... I figure just try to cram it in there someway that doesn't let it move too much, then put some poly stuffing in the gaps. I'll probably put some screen over the molded-in grille in the driver side... I don't know why they did that. Just for show, probably...Seems others using the sound ordnance have just stuffed it in the console. Was planning on just using some foam cushion tape on the parts that come in contact. Only one way to find out what works right?
fourpointzero
TJ Addict
I used a thin layer of some type of packing foam. It's not Styrofoam but it's a new type of almost plastic-like foam that I was able to shave into a thin, maybe quarter inch layer, and place it below the subwoofer so the sound ordinance case isn't resting on the metal tub.
I ended up buying the B-8PTD. Crutchfield had an open box deal too good to pass. I had to use a dremel to cut out the bottom of the console tray, otherwise the console wouldn't sit flat. I used some foam weather stripping on the bottom of the sub and 1 side for some cushion. Seems to be fine like that although the sub does tend to fall over. Might end up finding a way to strap it down or maybe wedge something inside the console to keep it pressed against the drivers side.
I was really unhappy with the baseless sound prior to installing. The sub completely changed that for less than $150. Would definitely recommend.
DeltaNu1142
TJ Enthusiast
Perfect. Yep, I'll be looking to do something similar. I noticed this week that my OEM sub has blown. It probably happened during my trip last week... I put in probably 350 highway miles and couldn't hear the stereo at all above the wind noise (no windows/top). I probably cranked it too high at some point, trying to hear it. Once I realized it was useless, though, I just shut it off and popped earplugs in.
I'd be curious how the sub sounds at 75 mph, topless with half doors, and ears plugged. I'm not trying to turn heads pulling up to the gas pump with my music (f&%k those people), so that's the only metric I care about.
