Installing new speakers

[XJ_holmes]

I have a 96 XJ sport 4x4 with a 3" lift and 31" tires. I also got it painted last summer and now that the exterior looks so nice I need to give some attention to the interior since that is where I spend most of the time when I drive it.

Last christmas my parents gave me 2 component speakers and 2 coaxial speakers that will fit in the front doors and in the back hatch. I bought a 4 channel amp yesterday and I am almost ready for the install.

So my question is where does everyone think the best location for the amp would be. I don't plan on putting subs in it yet and i would like to keep the back side of the back seat clear because i put it down very often to move stuff around.

If anyone could post some pics of their setup or any info or ideas or even things you wish you would have done once yours was finished.

Here is a pic of my XJ before it got painted

Thanks for any info,
-Ian

 

[Cnickgo]

My uncle's component amp is installed under the front passenger seat. Many people install their amps underneath the rear seat. Good luck with the install, plan it out and keep it clean.

 

[Jamescad04]

under the back seat is were i have mine! never gets overheated or abused!

 

[ifixit8]

I have a Full system that I think is user friendly. if your facing the front of the jeep with the hatch open to the right side is my sub amp, then on the back of my backseat i have on the left side the big old elcipse 4channel with my cap and fuse box. on the right side is my sub. with this setup it gives me enough space for my tools and other things I carry in the back. which is a big plus being that its a 2door!!

 

[XJ_holmes]

Im pretty sure I am going to mount it under the bottom part of the back seat. Partly because this is centralized in the car and also because it is entirely out of the way. Does anyone have any pictures of their setups i would like to see how everyone ran their wires.

Thanks for the info,
-Ian

 

[NDMstang65]

Run power wire down one side and RCA's down the other side so you do not get any bleed through with signal.

Alt whine has the bad habit of being picked up through unshielded RCA's, it's best to avoid it all together and keep them on opposite sides of the vehicle.

 

[XJ_holmes]

That sounds like a lot more work and for me im really not sure it is worth taking apart both sides of my car. If anyone has any pictures that would really be what would help me most but thanks again for all the info

-Ian

 

[Jamescad04]

That sounds like a lot more work and for me im really not sure it is worth taking apart both sides of my car. If anyone has any pictures that would really be what would help me most but thanks again for all the info

-Ian

It really shouldn't take too long I can wire up an xj for an amp in about 15 minutes. Make sure to set your amp in place first them connect all your wires to your amp. Then all you have to to is loosen the screws that hold the trim down along the floor don't take them out all the way. Lift up on the trim, stuff your wire underneath push the trim back down and tighten the screws. connect your wires to there appropriate places and your good to go. I like to use the jack mount and bolt for the ground wire that way you don't have to drill an mess with another bolt and you can run a short wire for the ground. Make sure you run the power and rca on opposite sides, its worth it to only do it once and to do it the correct way.

 

[Cnickgo]

What he said /\ . You really shouldn't have much of a problem with it. You already have to get to the back of your radio to get to the pre-amp outputs, so some interior work is involved no matter what. I can be at the back of my radio in less that 5 minutes. Just commit some time and dive in. I will say, buy plenty of of wire. Always better to trim off the end then come up short and have to run out and get more.

 

[XJ_holmes]

Alright I agree with you guys. Im in the process now of getting all of my supplies together. I have 2 Polk Audio coaxials and 2 polk audio components and a 600 watt 4 channel amp. Do you guys think this will make for a good setup? also how much speaker wire should I buy? once again thank you for the info

-Ian

 

[UNCC_99XJ]

Another vote for under the back seat. My first amp was in the cargo area ontop of my sub box, and all of it (amp and box) got in the way. Just put another one in last month and tucked it under the back seat. Much happier with this set up!

 

[Cnickgo]

Alright I agree with you guys. Im in the process now of getting all of my supplies together. I have 2 Polk Audio coaxials and 2 polk audio components and a 600 watt 4 channel amp. Do you guys think this will make for a good setup? also how much speaker wire should I buy? once again thank you for the info

-Ian

Anytime you jump to a powered system, you are going to be impressed. Do your research with setting your gains and filters to optimize your sound and protect your speakers.

If you don't want to buy a bulk roll of speaker wire, I know a guy that tapes down string where he is going to run his wire, and then measures that, while of course adding some extra feet for caution.