What did you do to your TJ today?

[JessicaJeeper08]

I took out my console and re-installed my front carpet appropriately. I also installed this Stronghold shift boot I got in over the weekend. Looks a lot better than the accordion style. I did break my bezel but I rigged it to work. We’ll see how long that lasts lol stupid plastic bezels

 

[All 4 Wheelin']

Swapped the RC track bar for a Rock Jock I found new on Marketplace for $100. Also swapped the drop pitman arm for a stock one. Just in time for 2 weeks on the road for work and then a trip to the Sand Mines in Tennessee.

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Getting rid of the drop pitman was the best thing you did for your steering geometry.

 

[be77solo]

Nice! I would like to add something like this for the Bluetooth capabilities. I love when I get in my Subaru everything transfers over nicely and I can listen to podcasts while driving. I’m afraid of the modifications I would need to do. How hard was it to modify this to fit?

Hey! It's actually not that hard, I made it harder because I added an AMP to the speakers. If you just switch out to a new head unit that supports what you want, it's not too complicated, and is just a little bit of cutting. Crutchfield is great if you need help!

 

[All 4 Wheelin']

So not just "today", but over the last two months or so of free time ha, I've been working on an Audio/Tech upgrade for the TJ and finally wrapped it up over the weekend. Installed a high-res double-din display head unit/surround, new speakers w/ dedicated Kicker amp, and a Kicker self-contained subwoofer since my factory unit was missing. Nothing high end (other than the Metra dash kit is fantastic, don't settle for less on that!). Just wanted to bring the TJ into the modern-day world tech wise for daily driving enjoyment.

Benefits are MASSIVELY better sound because of the new amp/speakers/sub compared to stock or in my case stock missing components. Plus, now have a reverse camera that turns on automatically w/ reverse gear (can't see shit over that spare tire lol), FULL wired OR wireless Apple Car Play or Android, hands free calling, "Hey Siri" support, XM/Sirius satellite radio, large GPS display yadayada.... ironically, my TJ is now more user tech advanced than my wife's '19 Cadillac or my recently sold '21 Gladiator.

Wireless Car Play is actually really cool, enjoying it every single time I get in my Jeep. It connects very fast.

I stress I wasn't trying to go HIGH END audiophile stuff here, just wanted "much better" than it was previously plus add all the new cool stuff. Worked out awesome, Crutchfield for the win! If anyone has questions on details let me know, happy to help.

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Spent all that money on audio so you can only afford one sock for your boy?

 

[be77solo]

Spent all that money on audio so you can only afford one sock for your boy?

LOL, that pup is my world, but damn him and socks!!!! This is him before the TJ, he has grown!

He preferred the F350, but also likes trips in the TJ!

 

[KennethS]

Nice! I would like to add something like this for the Bluetooth capabilities. I love when I get in my Subaru everything transfers over nicely and I can listen to podcasts while driving. I’m afraid of the modifications I would need to do. How hard was it to modify this to fit?

I installed a modern marine radio in my TJ using a similar install kit from Crutchfield. Extremely simple install - just remove old radio, install new surround, connect adapter wires to new radio, and plug the new wiring connector into the factory radio wiring. This new radio has Bluetooth and USB capability, and a microphone for hands-free calls. All for under $150.

 

[03RubiPHX]

Nice! I would like to add something like this for the Bluetooth capabilities. I love when I get in my Subaru everything transfers over nicely and I can listen to podcasts while driving. I’m afraid of the modifications I would need to do. How hard was it to modify

So not just "today", but over the last two months or so of free time ha, I've been working on an Audio/Tech upgrade for the TJ and finally wrapped it up over the weekend. Installed a high-res double-din display head unit/surround, new speakers w/ dedicated Kicker amp

If anyone has questions on details let me know, happy to help.

Great job, it's on my list as well. Just goes from top of list to bottom every time I open the door and see the dash.

 

[be77solo]

Great job, it's on my list as well. Just goes from top of list to bottom every time I open the door and see the dash.

Ha, I totally understand. It actually doesn't take that much work, I just have to balance my time with a 7-year-old that I also help coaching baseball with..... so just lack free time.

But honestly, it worked out awesome, and I'm super happy with the results!!!

 

[OkieJoe]

Replaced my serpentine belt and the crankshaft position sensor. Simple fixes but it felt good to get it done.

 

[mjonesjr84]

Getting rid of the drop pitman was the best thing you did for your steering geometry.

For sure. It does drive better. I was more worried about it breaking the steering box shaft.

 

[RockyTopTJ]

For sure. It does drive better. I was more worried about it breaking the steering box shaft.

I wouldn't think it'd be easy to break that shaft. I can admit that the bump steer I've gotten from my track bar bracket being an inch higher is awful on the road, couldn't imagine a dropped pitman arm.

 

[RockyTopTJ]

Replaced my serpentine belt and the crankshaft position sensor. Simple fixes but it felt good to get it done.

Did you use a Mopar sensor?

 

[mjonesjr84]

I wouldn't think it'd be easy to break that shaft. I can admit that the bump steer I've gotten from my track bar bracket being an inch higher is awful on the road, couldn't imagine a dropped pitman arm.

The added stress the drop pitman arm puts on the shaft in some of the positions I will put it in would cause it to break. There's several examples of them breaking on the forum.

The RC track bar frame side bracket drops the mount down about 2-3" from the factory mount. The only way to get the steering correct with the RC track bar requires a drop pitman arm.

 

[All 4 Wheelin']

LOL, that pup is my world, but damn him and socks!!!! This is him before the TJ, he has grown!

He preferred the F350, but also likes trips in the TJ!

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That's funny. Cute jeep dog. I was actually referencing the young man in your backup cam.

For sure. It does drive better. I was more worried about it breaking the steering box shaft.

Drop pitman throws the drag link out of plane with the trackbar.

 

[RockyTopTJ]

The added stress the drop pitman arm puts on the shaft in some of the positions I will put it in would cause it to break. There's several examples of them breaking on the forum.

Can you link me to a couple of those threads? I'm curious if those were examples of prolonged wear or just an instant snap.

The RC track bar frame side bracket drops the mount down about 2-3" from the factory mount. The only way to get the steering correct with the RC track bar requires a drop pitman arm.

Oh yes, did not realize you were running a dropped bracket as well.

 

[mjonesjr84]

Drop pitman throws the drag link out of plane with the track bar.

The RC track bar frame side mount drops the track bar down. That's why the drop pitman arm was installed.

 

[OkieJoe]

Did you use a Mopar sensor?

Yes I did. Got it off Amazon

Mopar 4727451AA Crankshaft Position Sensor​

 

[Zorba]

Cleaned up the engine bay, hosed out the frame (didn't seem to need it), and hosed off the dirt and mud on the bottom side after "Jeepin' with Judd" weekend before last. Didn't have to do the topside or interior - the day we got home and pulled into the driveway, the next door neighbor had a car detail dude cleaning up his SUV. My mamma didn't raise no fools - he did mine right after. Did a fantastic job, had him wax it while he was there.

 

[MFMauceri]

God's in the Decals

As much as I'm a purist, the '03-'06 Sahara logo just isn't the JL's "dunes" version (OK it sucks), so I took some liberties... Believe it or not, the raised "Jeep" decal is the hardest to get right.

 

[MFMauceri]

So not just "today", but over the last two months or so of free time ha, I've been working on an Audio/Tech upgrade for the TJ and finally wrapped it up over the weekend. Installed a high-res double-din display head unit/surround, new speakers w/ dedicated Kicker amp, and a Kicker self-contained subwoofer since my factory unit was missing. Nothing high end (other than the Metra dash kit is fantastic, don't settle for less on that!). Just wanted to bring the TJ into the modern-day world tech wise for daily driving enjoyment.

Benefits are MASSIVELY better sound because of the new amp/speakers/sub compared to stock or in my case stock missing components. Plus, now have a reverse camera that turns on automatically w/ reverse gear (can't see shit over that spare tire lol), FULL wired OR wireless Apple Car Play or Android, hands free calling, "Hey Siri" support, XM/Sirius satellite radio, large GPS display yadayada.... ironically, my TJ is now more user tech advanced than my wife's '19 Cadillac or my recently sold '21 Gladiator.

Wireless Car Play is actually really cool, enjoying it every single time I get in my Jeep. It connects very fast.

I stress I wasn't trying to go HIGH END audiophile stuff here, just wanted "much better" than it was previously plus add all the new cool stuff. Worked out awesome, Crutchfield for the win! If anyone has questions on details let me know, happy to help.

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Where did you mount the back-up camera?