Replacing factory subwoofer

Jeff Allan

TJ Enthusiast
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I see Quadratec has an exact replacement speaker. Has mixed reviews some people say it blows out relatively quickly just like the original .

Doing some research there’s a Kicker available. I don’t mind doing a slight modification just want to make sure it will work with the factory wiring and amp. There is a 2 ohm version and some said to get the 1 ohm version for TJs.

Anyone know much about it?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01BLVEZUC/?tag=wranglerorg-20
 
No one seems to like the stock Quadratec replacement, and the stock amp is so terribly underpowered that it is probably not worth saving. The Kicker CompRT you linked seems to be a pretty popular option, but also needs a more appropriate amp to drive it. There are a lot of small single channel options that could probably be made to fit in the stock amp location, or easy to tuck somewhere in the dash.

The lovely thing is that all speakers are so easy to get to that you can replace components whenever you please. Do the sub/amp now, rears next year, fronts a month later, head unit after that, 4channel amp last and you're all done.
 
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I see Quadratec has an exact replacement speaker. Has mixed reviews some people say it blows out relatively quickly just like the original .

Doing some research there’s a Kicker available. I don’t mind doing a slight modification just want to make sure it will work with the factory wiring and amp. There is a 2 ohm version and some said to get the 1 ohm version for TJs.

Anyone know much about it?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01BLVEZUC/?tag=wranglerorg-20

I have the Kicker with it's own amp.. The bass is great. I had to modify the factory enclosure a bit bit nothing a tinkerer can't handle.

DSCN1536.webp
 
I love my Sound Ordinance self powered set up. Then you can use any decent deck to power the factory speakers . I'm sure the Kicker is great too.
 
I replaced the crap factory sub with these two 10" subs. Much better sound with the 300w rms x 2 amp. The best part is that I can't hear my GF's non-stop talking anymore.o_O
SPEAKER BOX (2).webp
 
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I had a factory sub, a Quadratec replacement, and the Kicker on the bench for a visual comparison. The Quadratec looked exactly like the factory but new. The Kicker looked like real quality. I modified the stock enclosure and used the stock amp with the Kicker. Very happy with it.

IMG_5452.webp


IMG_5455.webp


If you want to save a lot of $$$ I was pretty happy with this replacement sub in my former TJ.

https://www.parts-express.com/pyramid-wx65x-6-1-2-white-poly-woofer--290-270
 
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I replaced mine with the quadratec and so far so good. It's been in for several months and no issues.

My other TJ has the kicker sub as above. It's great, but also being driven by a much larger amplifier and Alpine head unit I installed.
 
I followed the extensive and detailed write up in the 'how to' section to do the whole system. Started out with just the woofer and amp. It sounded soooo much better I ended up going through the entire sound system. If you go the same route, using the same speakers and amps then you will be very happy with the results. Very happy.
 
I have the Kicker with it's own amp.. The bass is great. I had to modify the factory enclosure a bit bit nothing a tinkerer can't handle.

View attachment 188548

Could you give me a link on the amp? Does it mount up similar. I haven't pulled it apart until I have a plan. I just watched a video on changing the sub/speaker, they used the factory amp.
 
I had a factory sub, a Quadratec replacement, and the Kicker on the bench for a visual comparison. The Quadratec looked exactly like the factory but new. The Kicker looked like real quality. I modified the stock enclosure and used the stock amp with the Kicker. Very happy with it.

View attachment 188622

View attachment 188623

If you want to save a lot of $$$ I was pretty happy with this replacement sub in my former TJ.

[URL]https://www.parts-express.com/pyramid-wx65x-6-1-2-white-poly-woofer--290-270[/URL]

What color wires did you connect to the + and - of the subwoofer? Did you follow the FSM and just hooked up (DG to +, BR/RD to -) on one side and (VT to + and DB to -) on the other?