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Kicker 77Kick10 Dash Install Complete DIY w/Pics

72K views 226 replies 77 participants last post by  DIRT BOY 
#1 ·
Cross post with the one in my build thread.

There was a recent post by Lotusman who did a nice write-up about installing Kicker speakers in the dash. He only took one pic and I had to figure out a lot for myself. But I want to thank Lotusman for giving me the idea that I could do this myself. I'm not trying to take away from anything he did. I just felt those who want to install the speakers on their own could benefit from more pics and a more detailed write up. So I decided to take a lot of pics and do a full DIY for those who need it. Read below.

Kicker Dash Install

There was a recent thread from Lotusman who explained how to get the Kicker dash speakers in without removing the whole dash. His thread was informative but he only had one photo and I had to figure out a lot of it myself. I only removed the sides and several screws because I didn't want to bother removing the whole thing. I also didn't want to scratch or break anything. But the dash install was a pain in the ass. Took just under an hour for each side but the speakers are installed and sound great so it was worth it.

1. Definitely use the ratchet wrench supplied with the Jeep. It helps A LOT!
2. You'll need a Phillips screw bit and a hex bit, I think it was 5/16.
3. We'll start on the drivers side because it's a bit harder.

Step 1
Get a plastic tool to remove the side panel on the left of the dash. You do have to pry a little with your nail or something to be able to wedge something in there. I used a new spackle thing and it worked perfectly. No damage. These are just little clips that pop out. There are no screws.





Step 2

Carefully pop off the panel under the steering column. It also has clips that pop out. No screws yet. Just be careful, don't force it. It will come out.





Step 3

There are 4 screws to remove to be able to flex the dash enough to get at the speaker.

Screw 1 - Right side under steering column


Screw 2 - Left side under steering column


Screw 3 - To the left of the steering column but higher up towards the top of the column


Screw 4 - Underneath the dash right next to the door strap


Once you have removed all 4 screws you should be able to flex the dash enough to get at the speaker. But don't be fooled this is not going to be easy. And be very careful when flexing it. Do NOT flex the dash more than it can handle or you will crack it. There goes your budget for more fun toys.

I pushed my luck with this but you can use the strap to hold the dash out of the way.


Now you can see the speaker hiding back there


I started off using this because I was really tired when I did this and I forgot about the ratchet wrench in the Jeep toolkit. Use the Jeep one instead. MUCH easier to use.


At this point you have to carefully remove the speaker. You'll have to figure this out. I was working alone and didn't have anyone to take pictures of the actual removal. I will tell you that the top screw is the hardest. It will try your patience.

Once you remove and install the speaker you might want to add poly fill. I did and I am happy with the resulting sound. Screw the Kicker into place, put the dash back together, check out how many cuts and scratches you have and get ready for the passenger side.

Passenger side dash removal
I didn't take as much pictures because it's a very similar process and once you do the driver side, the passenger side is easier.

Use the same plastic tool and remove the piece to the right side of the dash.


In order to get at the two dash screws, I found it easier to remove the glove box. It just pops out at the bottom and you can squeeze the sides enough to remove it. Be careful when popping it out though. The things it sits on are thin.


Now there are only three screws on the passenger side. One on the left, the right and underneath by the strap. I thought I might be able to get more flex by removing a screw behind the Jeep dash grab handle. So I took the plastic off the front and removed the black screw way back inside the handle. It didn't help so don't bother going through all that. Just pull the dash away, rest it on the strap, remove the old speaker, install the new one and put the dash back together.

Congratulations,!! You have now installed new dash speakers. Look at your arms and knuckles, realize you now need band-aids, maybe some stitches and a glass of Scotch to celebrate your DIY win. Look at the radio and realize it's only 11 am. Sit back and enjoy the new sound.
 
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#3 ·
Yes, I did the soundbar speakers, too. I would definitely recommend the Kicker speakers. They are much better than stock. I used poly fill so the bass is tighter and they just sound better. They are still lacking some of the highs but that could be because of the headunit or crossover points. I have the 130S. I'm going to put new tweeters in the dash and soundbar at some point. I might go with the 77Kicker25AB. For a fairly reasonable investment it's worth it. I don't think you can go wrong for $140.
 
#6 ·
#7 ·
Thanks, man. I know what you mean about enthusiasm. I had to slow myself down several times and remember to take pics. Once the brain gets going it's hard to disengage.

I'm probably going to order the Kickers tweeters as well because it looks like they are are plug n play like the 77Kick10's are. Check out this discussion about the tweeters in the '15s. Reda post #12.

http://www.wranglerforum.com/f202/2015-wrangler-2-5-and-3-5-inch-tweeter-replacement-discussion-1226961.html

Click on the link below for another good thread on tweeters. He used Pioneer tweeters and did a nice write up but it's a bit of work.

http://www.wranglerforum.com/f202/2015-wrangler-2-5-and-3-5-inch-tweeter-replacement-discussion-1226961.html
 
#9 ·
I'm not sure what year your jeep is, the side bolts on the speaker "box" are either out already or not the same as my '15) but I found it easier to remove the whole speaker "box." 1 bolt below the dash, 10mm, and some slight maneuvering and the whole box was out and on my bench. Way easier that removing the speaker w/ box installed.
 
#10 ·
Great write up! Did this myself and have to agree that that top screw is a pain in the a**. I wound up using a long, 12", 1/4 drive extension, socket and ratchet....
 
#13 ·
Guys you are killing me... for the front... taking the entire speaker enclosure out, then removing the speaker from it took me literally 2 minutes total. There was no way I was going to kill me self trying to remove those 3 screws w/ the speaker in the enclosure mounted behind the dash bezel. It was probably faster on the passenger side.
 
#11 ·
After seeing your post, I decided to give the fronts a try. I ordered new 77kick10's went outside and removed the Kickers from the sound bar to install up front. ( I had time to install the fronts and didn't want to install the fronts later)
My only suggestion is to remove the front doors. I made it a little easier for me.
 
#12 ·
I replaced mine about a week ago. Unlatching your doors so they swing open is a sweet wait to put dimples in your ride. :censored:

Other than the top part of my dash that I can't figure out how to get put back together it was really easy. I didn't need to pull the top part of the dash apart btw. I only figured out that I didn't need to pull the entire dash after I did the passenger side. Oh well. I may pay the dealer to put it back for me.
 
#15 ·
I didn't need to pull the top part of the dash apart btw. I only figured out that I didn't need to pull the entire dash after I did the passenger side. Oh well. I may pay the dealer to put it back for me.
I think you watched the wrong video :)
Did you see the one on YouTube where the goof literally disassembles the entire dash to swap speakers?
 
#22 ·
According to Jegs website, the 7710 only fits Wrangler 07 - 11. I have a 12. If I take the number that I got from Crutchfield and put it into Jegs part search, it comes up with the 7710. Will have to continue to research it. Hundred twenty bucks for all four you can't pass up. Crutchfield gave me a different part number for a different set of speakers. I can't remember if they go in the dash or in the sound bar. You guys who ordered from Jegs, did it come with all of the wiring harnesses and mounting brackets that you need? Or are they an exact replacement and just mount up and plug in the existing hardware?
 
#23 ·
The 77kick10, that's the Mopar part number to search, is a direct replacement. Plug and play.
I just finished installing 4 of those and 4 of the 77kick25ab, replacements for the 2015 tweeters.
Crutchfield does not sell these exact speakers as these have a vehicle specific mounting flange that fits the Jeep and several other Mopar vehicles.

Jegs:
http://www.jegs.com/i/Mopar+Accesso...y4kYcxyagNerhkUZB5HcFtu6pp5auKceywaAk6i8P8HAQ
 
#26 ·
Oh no I'm good now. Thanks Brando. I went back and looked through the website some more and finally found where it did say that they were a direct replacement. Not sure why Crutchfield gave me two different numbers but I got what I need. Time to order them. Thanks again.
 
#27 ·
I've already put the 77kick10 speakers in the bar and dash. Finally got the set of 77kick25ab speakers I ordered today, so I put them in the dash. I took a couple of pictures too.

As someone else mentioned, possibly in another thread, it raises the sound up. Hard to describe, but with the 77kick10 speakers in the the dash and the factory speakers on top, the sound seemed to come from the floorboards, now it has been raised higher.
 

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#30 ·
Worth it? Will you also replace the two in the soundbar? I have the four 77Kick10s and am debating whether or not it will be worth it to also do the smaller speakers.
 
#28 ·
Where did you order them from? Cost? They are next on my list along with a powered sub.
 
#33 ·
Sound Upgrade Complete

Finally finished installing the 77Kick10's in the front and rear of my 2014. Then I had Best Buy install an Alpine KTB445U in dash amp. Wow what a difference. No longer have to crank the stereo just to hear with all my windows down.

Thought about needing to add a sub later, but I don't think I will need it with those kickers. If your thinking about upgrading your base system this is the way to go.:iamhappy:
 
#34 ·
Finally finished installing the 77Kick10's in the front and rear of my 2014. Then I had Best Buy install an Alpine KTB445U in dash amp. Wow what a difference. No longer have to crank the stereo just to hear with all my windows down.

Thought about needing to add a sub later, but I don't think I will need it with those kickers. If your thinking about upgrading your base system this is the way to go.:iamhappy:
Thanks for the update. I was looking at the same Alpine amp as well. Actually this one:

Amazon.com : Alpine KTP-445U 4-channel Power Pack Amplifier : Vehicle Multi Channel Amplifiers : Car Electronics

The model number is P instead of B. Probably the same would be my guess. How much did BB charge for the install?
 
#47 ·
So, if I am correct, those using the Alpine KTP-445U are using it to push 2 pairs of speakers? I am in the process of replacing my 6.5's with 77KICKER10's as well as the 3.5's with the 77KICKER25AB's (15 JKUR) and therefore, will have 4 pairs of speakers I would ideally like to amplify. I have read amps can run more than 1 pair of speakers per channel, but that it changes the ohms, makes them run hotter, and I am assuming there would be a considerable power drop of RMS wattage being delivered to each speaker. All 8 Kickers are rated at 150 peak, 75 RMS. It seems like this amp may be a little on the underpowered side to push 4 speakers, let alone 8, going off of the specs, although I am reading that most who are using it are very happy with their results. What do people with more audio knowledge than me think? I love the fact that this amp is so small and easily concealable! I have the 430N for my head unit, and really wish to maintain a stock appearance to deter would-be thieves, if that makes any difference.

The amp won't do all 8 speakers with good results, right?

Should I power larger 6.5's with the Alpine and leave the head unit to power the 3.5's?

Would putting two of these behind the dash be the solution to power all 8 speakers?

Is there another good amp that would be concealable and do all 8?
 
#49 ·
I am using the same amp w/ the same speakers you are adding but from a base 130 HU. No problems, no over heating, plenty of sound for me. The 6.5 and 3.5 sets are in parallel so they are effectively a 2 ohm set and the amp can handle 2 or 4 ohms.
 
#48 ·
My plan was to get one amp and power the 4 main speakers plus a powered sub. The head unit can power the 4 tweeters. From what I've read a lot of people do it this way. I never thought about getting a second amp. The head unit is decent but I have to turn it up to mid to high 20s to hear the sound with the sunrider open or top off completely. At that volume level the head unit is pushing it's max (dirty) power and I don't want to damage my new Kickers. So one amp for just a little extra power. Besides, most of the sound I hear comes from the soundbar anyway.
 
#51 ·
Does anybody know if a sub and amp will take power away from the engine by using more power from the battery? I had an amp and sub properly installed in my JKU by a shop that came highly recommended from my dealership and other local Jeepers. They did a great job and it sounds amazing!! It's probably just me, but when starting my jeep and accelerating it almost sounds like it has to work harder... It's probably just me but I wanted to make sure
 
#52 ·
I just solved the great debate about "buy a Sport and build" or "buy a Rubicon!" Installing the driver-side 6.5 helped me figure out that the Rubicon is the way to go! Popping out the control for the lockers and discos gave me perfect access to get to the top screw on the speaker. Gently prying back the dash gave me enough access to remove/replace the screws on the left and right. I was dreading the job, after seeing how everyone was talking about how difficult it was! It ended up not being that difficult, and the sound difference is night and day with the 77KICK10's and some polyfill. I can't wait til my 77KICK25AB's arrive and I can get rid of the remainder of the garbage speakers that the base system comes with! Thanks to everyone for the helpful posts, pics, advice, etc... that I read on here!
 
#56 ·
Same exact way I did it on my sport unlatch the door take out a few screws peel back the bottom dash and 3 screws for the speaker pod. Was a breeze to install did the entire system in 45mins. So Don't go splurging on a Rubicon based on speaker installs lol...:mooning:
 
#54 ·
Thank you for write-up. Installed mine today. While it was a pain in the ass, they sound sooooooo much better than the oem crap so it was worth the upgrade.
 
#55 ·
You're welcome guys. I'm glad you all found this DIY useful. Good luck with all your mods!
 
#57 ·
This thread saved me a couple hundred bucks at a local shop, they sound much better on the base head unit I'm sure upgrading to aftermarket will only increase the performance. Trying to avoid an Amp in case I take the Jeep for a swim lol.

If your thinking about doing this mod you won't regret it. Don't be afraid to do the install yourself if you can loosen a few screws you can get it done. Watch a few YouTube videos and you'll be a pro. good Luck
 
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