Would this stereo upgrade be this easy?

[cliffish]

2005 TJ with factory sub: would this scenario work, single din head unit with sub out preamp.

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_113KMBT318/Kenwood-KMM-BT318U.html?avf=Y

put upgraded 6.5 sub in center console, replace amp with a small footprint one, pick up power lead from harness into new amp, connect rca sub out from head unit to amp. connect to sub

any thoughts? factory radio is glitching has no hands free calling or usb in. I am sure after this I woill replace dash and pod speakers as well.

 

[JMT]

Can’t see why it won’t work. Sounds right. Just be sure to get a slimline sub that will fit in the console or modify it like @bobthetj03 did

 

[bobthetj03]

Should work fine. Basically what I did, cept I didn't have a factory sub, so I did some slight modifcations to install a 8" slimeline sub in the center console. Just make sure you get a sub that has ohm ratings to match the amp you buy and dump the factory amp for the factory sub. I purchased a small Kenwood mono block amp and mounted it under the steering column. I'd also suggest running a separate power wire to the amp direct to the battery with an inline fuse. 10ga. should be sufficient.

 

[Chris]

I see no reason it shouldn't work fine!

 

[cliffish]

Thanks Bob, do you think I could run the fused wire from the factory wire in the harness in the center console for the current sub? I am also going to look into just mounting a powered sub under a seat like some have done with the Rockford Forsgate 8"

 

[bobthetj03]

Thanks Bob, do you think I could run the fused wire from the factory wire in the harness in the center console for the current sub? I am also going to look into just mounting a powered sub under a seat like some have done with the Rockford Forsgate 8"

Are you trying to use the factory sub amp?

 

[cliffish]

Are you trying to use the factory sub amp?

no just tap the power wire in the harness/plug....just being lazy and not run a new wire if I do not need to, also probably would only be powered when the radio is on?

 

[bobthetj03]

You probably could get away with the factory power lead, but if you get a more powerful amp, that amp may require a bigger power lead.

 

[JMT]

Whatever amp you get will tell you the gauge wire you need for your power line to your battery, as well as the inline fuse size. I have the Rockford Fosgate PS-8 and it has a 30 amp inline fuse. I mounted on the bottom of the rear seat. Out of sight and out of a criminals mind. Takes up no storage space in the TJ. I can remove it in minutes if I feel like my TJ is in an unsafe area. I love it!

 

[Shwane]

I'd also suggest running a separate power wire to the amp direct to the battery with an inline fuse

And run your remote wire to a switched power source. So it doesn't stay on all the time. I have 2 amps in mine, under the rear seat. Powering 2 10's, 2 - 6'' kicker wakeboard tower speakers, and 4 - 5 1/4's. Subs are in a down fire box behind the back seat with quick connects for when I need that space. Needless to say, wind noise with no doors or top is a non issue. lol