2005 radio upgrade

3521inapastlife

New Member
Original poster
Joined
May 25, 2021
Messages
6
Location
85041
So I'm late in the game, just getting a 2005 X this year. Previous owner had all stock almost everything, and I'd like to at least get a line in,

Does anyone have a good "stock" upgrade or a double din upgrade they like? (I already have the double din panel saved just in case). I wouldn't mind a touch screen, but would need something weather proof, since we will almost never have the top up, and there's very little rain around us here in Phoenix. I've had good experience with XM, so we'll probably like to get something compatible with XM since we have such a large area with little cell/radio service where'd we would be going.

In all reality, I just need to get a line-in to the stock radio, since we use the alexa in-car for BT capabilities in our other vehicles, and I would just hide that inside of the dash. The last update I've seen was a 2016 thread and the radio that he used was out of production.

TL:DR: Radio update to include BT or splice a line in to stock. Otherwise weather worthy radio for stock/double din.

2005 Jeep Wrangler X, 4.0 I, 6 speed manual.


Also, if anyone wants to explain the difference between the stock sport vs the X, I'm curious. (haven't seen good documentation on this)

Thanks all,
-Steve
 
Last edited:
I'd just head to Crutchfield.com and find a radio that suites your needs. There are about 1000 options and just about anything will fit in the TJ given the dash install kits out there. Unlike just about every modern vehicle, nothing of the TJ's stock radio is connected to the car's computer so you can install anything you damn well please with the right wiring and dash kits.
 
  • Like
Reactions: matkal
I'd look under "marine radios" in Crutchfield for water resistant.

Depending on how loud you want it, you can avoid having to install an amplifier if you get one that has an amp built in it. (It will require a larger wire directly from the battery for proper installation.)

I went with the Sony MEX-M100BT a few years ago, and have been very pleased with it.
 
Crutchfield FTW. Most of them come with free installation gear. You can even get the ReadyHarness service for $25. Complete plug and play with no wire splicing. I just drove to their store the other week and got the wife a new stereo. $50 in their outlet and took less than 10 minutes to install it.
 
  • Like
Reactions: matkal
Pretty much anything, along with new speakers, is an improvement. I second(third or fourth, etc. Crutchfield, My radio and four speakers came in at just over $200 and all the wiring adapters and install kit were free.
 
GROM audio makes an adapter that plugs into the factory radio. Not cheap but less of a theft concern.. I bought one used from a forum member and it works good
 
  • Like
Reactions: joelachr
Did Crutchfield. It was a one-stop-shop and got a cheap radio for about $75 that connects to my phone. They include everything you need to install. Super easy.
 
How do you set the time on the stock 2005 radio??? Mine came without a manual and haven't figured out how to set the time. Think the clock was set in CA when new and has never been changed.
 
Mahalo for posting the manual but that's a much fancier unit than mine. I've got an am/fm/cd player with no mapping ability.
 
Sport could come in 2wd only or 4x4 for more money. X came in only 4x4. My X has nothing different than my Sport had since it was a sport with 4x4. Im sure there is something different as what kind of options you could add but beyond that no clue.
 
I put a clarion M508 in a few months ago and I’m pretty happy with it. It’s a Marine radio so should be good with the top off. Also has Bluetooth and XM. But it’s not a double din if that’s a requirement for you.

D239D8B5-868B-4A41-9A53-F9A445957439.jpeg
 
There is a fancy upgraded radio for around $900 on line somewhere but I can't remember what it's called (maybe someone else does?). Looks super cool, tho, if one has deep pockets.