This is a guide to installing an aftermarket radio and 4 speakers for the TJ. Install was done on my 2003.

I am wanting to contribute more to this forum and after updating my sound system decided to make a write up on installing an aftermarket radio and 4 speakers.

Time to change this


To this (I know bad photo, was taken by my phone)


My suggestion to get all the stuff you need is at crutchfield.com When you buy anything there, they give you all the adapters you need to install it.

I will start with a list of items required to do the install.

In Dash Radio
1 Chrysler dash radio mount kit, as the OEM radio slot is larger than standard DIN radios. Can pick this up for 15-30 at auto stores and walmart.

1 Chysler radio wiring harness. 10 bucks at walmart. Why even bother with the cumbersome splicing in the car. I don't want to think of this as optional. If you want cut the old plug off and splice the new one on find your Jeep wiring diagram here.

1 Chysler antenna cable adapter.

Your choice of a single DIN aftermarket radio.

Front Speakers
1 Pair of speaker adapter brackets. The OEM speakers don't fit into any standard speaker size or mounting holes, so brackets are required if you don't plan to fab the mounts.

1 Pair of 4" x 6" speakers

Optional - Speaker wire adapters. If you don't want to cut wires.

Roll bar speakers
1 Pair of 5 1/4" speakers fit perfectly in the existing holes

Optional - Speaker wire adapters. If you don't want to cut wires.




I ordered a radio, 4x6 speakers, and 5 1/4" speakers all from Crutchfield and they included all the required adapters and wires. Also got free shipping for spending over $200

Here is a pic of everything you should have.


I suggest you make all preparations now before removing parts of your vehicle to make the actual install much smoother. Take out your wiring diagrams for the radio harness for your aftermarket radio and the Chrysler radio harness. Normally all aftermarket radio wires follow the same color codes but don't take that risk and compare the two wiring diagram. For some reason Chrysler has two wires for constant power and two for ground, other than that everything lined up.


Everyone has there own favorite way of splicing wires, I used plain old standard crimps.I also decided to shorten the wires as I didn't plan to make mistakes and it won't get as tangled up.



Next, remove the metal sleeve that's on the radio, and attach it to the dash mount. Then pry up the tabs to keep it in place.


Now attach the antenna adapter to the back of your radio, and attach the speaker wire adapters to your new speakers.


Attach the speaker adapter brackets onto your 4x6 speakers using the included screws and nuts. I had to widen some of the holes on the bracket using a dremel to make it fit on my speakers.

Prepping is all done, now to tear out your old radio and speakers.

Dash Removal

First remove the top portion of your dash by using a prying tool or a flat screwdriver.





Remove the two screws at the top of the center dash


Carefully pry the center dash out, two clip points are at the two bottom corners.



Lightly jimmy the center dash out.

Now, unscrew and remove, climate control for easier access.


Next is the hardest part, well if you don't have the right size small tools and small hands. Remove

your glove box, then fish your hand behind the radio to find the bolt that is holding in the radio

and remove it.


Once you get the bolt out you can slid the radio out and unplug it. Then hook up your harness.


Slid your radio into the radio mount hook it up the bolt it in.
*Note: Some radio's may be too deep and the back radio support will block the radio from mounting all

the way. Try bending parts of the mount out of the way but try to do it in a way that you can still

bolt the security screw behind it. Without the screw your radio will be much easier to steal and

could be susceptible to damage in rough terrain without the extra support.

Before you put everything back on, now is a good time to test the radio. Make sure to check your fade

and balance too. Also if you have USB's in the back of your unit route them now into the glove box.

If that's all good that snap it all back on! Your done installing the in dash receiver!


Front Speaker install
Locate and remove the two screws holding on the speaker panel on the outside of the dash.


Pop off the panel, then remove the four screws holding in the speaker.


Mount your 4"x6" speaker and then close it all back up!




Roll bar Speaker install
Locate and remove the four screws holding the grill and speaker in place.



Plug in your 5 1/4" speaker and screw in the grill and speaker and you are done.

Congratulations on upgrading your sound system, and enjoy!

Excellent write up.

Mods, sticky in the radio/communication thread, please?

Dude! Excellent write-up. Great contribution. Now I want to go tear something apart just so I can document it and post it. Good job!

Thanks guys!

Excellent write-up indeed!

The only difference that I can tell from the newer dash to my 97 is that I had 1 more screw behind the ash tray.

HA!

When I was running a search on how to remove my bezel, all references made were in regards to the '97-'00 models, which included removing the ashtray to get to the 3rd screw. Well, I have an '06 without an ashtray, therefore, no extra screw. I'm glad he posted this, now hopefully future newer TJ owners won't get confused.

Man, you don't know how many times I stared at that blank plate trying to figure out how to take it off to get to that other screw....lol

I'm glad that helped you out! My next write up will be on installing the generic universal power windows and power locks! I only have it installed on one side so far because of weather, but I can say that it can be done and works great!

The only thing is that I didn't really like the switches that came with the kit and I am waiting to drill holes in the door panel till I find ones I like.

I love Crutchfield. I got my stuff from there as well!

sticky please

i wish someone would do one of these for a yj

nice writeup! Should make things alot easier for me. I was going to have someplace do the install butnow looking at this I think I could do it.

I registered with this forum due to your write up and am about to install my stereo now. Thank you so much for your efforts.

Also the elusive nut in the rear of the radio to get it out is a size 10 mm nut. (from part three of the instructions.) Also from the same part 3 instruction youll see the bracket that gets in the way of a new install. I just streightened it. then bolted a bracket to it to secure the radio.

HOLY SMOKES that looks hard...ive had some crazy aftermarket installs but i think this looks the hardest...wow...if my chick ends up with a TJ i'm sure i'll get stuck doing it...good write up!! excellent step by step pictures!! KUDOS to you!

good writeup i bookmarked it for future reference thanks a lot!

Thanks for taking the time to post such good pictures and details. I used this write up when installing my own stereo.
My BEFORE... and AFTER...

anyone put a new head unit in a jk 2009 yet its killing me pls help

just curious if anyone has changed those 4x6 dash speakers to the 5 1/4 speakers. pics and how hard is it?

I changed my 4x6 speakers to 6" speakers in the front. It wast hard, you can either make a mounting bracket or buy them off ebay. But no pics sorry, also the soundbar can fit up to 6 1/2 " speakers.

Will definately use this in the future.

I cannot get the bolt on the back of the cd player off. Any idea what size it is, and is there some kind of trick to get to it easier? I don't know if it's because I have big hands, but i've been trying for close to an hour and I've had no luck.

It's pretty small...I'm thinking 10mm, but I honestly can't remember. If it's not 10mm try 3/8"...it's kind of a pain in the ass, but once you get it on there, it'll get easier.

When I did mine, my Pioneer headunit had nowhere for that security screw to thread into and my headunit was about 3" too deep so I just pulled the metal mount out entirely. Headunit isn't as tight as I'd like it, but not noticeably loose either.