Speaker Upgrade (Plug and Play)

[LuvHydro]

I don't see how that's possible, there are 2 holes for 3.5" and a 4" speaker. All videos show 6.5 require cutting out an area for the 6.5 brackets. Have pics of it being done without cutting?

According to Crutchfield, no cutting. Looks like they are lower than the OEMs.

Cool idea, but whoa, $140 for $20 worth of product.

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[tpva_22]

According to Crutchfield, no cutting. Looks like they are lower than the OEMs.

Cool idea, but whoa, $140 for $20 worth of product.

So you haven't done it yet? When you take the cover off there are two solid holes for the smaller speakers. 6.5 inch speaker requires cutting out a larger hole (not plug and play, but would definitely sound better). You will need a saw and not sure a bracket is worth $140, or maybe it is depending on what you're trying to achieve but some of the review comments on that JLJT-Pods item mention they needed to cut, and here's a video

 

[6th Floor Mule]

I installed with 6.5“ Kickers, no cutting required.

https://selectincrements.com/2021/04/jljt-pods/

 

[Zandcwhite]

So you haven't done it yet? When you take the cover off there are two solid holes for the smaller speakers. 6.5 inch speaker requires cutting out a larger hole (not plug and play, but would definitely sound better). You will need a saw and not sure a bracket is worth $140, or maybe it is depending on what you're trying to achieve but some of the review comments on that JLJT-Pods item mention they needed to cut, and here's a video

2 different products, from select increments own site.
”Plug and play factory sound bar enhancement for your Jeep JL/JT Wrangler and no need to remove or cut up your sound bar for this upgrade! Select Increments® JLJT-Pods are compatible with all 2018 & up Jeep Wrangler JL & JL Unlimited models, and all 2020 & newer JT Gladiators. Standard audio systems upgrade to 6.5” or 6.75” 2-way speakers while the premium Alpine® systems upgrade to 6.5” or 6.75” Component Speakers that feature separate tweeters. JLJT-Pods have a textured finish to match your sound bar and install easily – just remove the factory grilles and speakers, then attach the JLJT-Pods by re-using the factory grille screws. The new, larger speakers in the JLJT-Pods will line up with the sound bar woofer holes so the magnets can drop through as needed with room to spare.“
They give dimensions on mounting depth and magnet diameter maximums, but require no cutting so long as you don’t exceed those specs.

 

[tpva_22]

According to Crutchfield, no cutting. Looks like they are lower than the OEMs.

Cool idea, but whoa, $140 for $20 worth of product.

So you haven't done it yet? When you take the cover off there are two solid holes for the smaller speakers. 6.5 inch speaker requires cutting out a larger hole (not plug and play). You will need a saw...here's a video

2 different products, from select increments own site.
”Plug and play factory sound bar enhancement for your Jeep JL/JT Wrangler and no need to remove or cut up your sound bar for this upgrade! Select Increments® JLJT-Pods are compatible with all 2018 & up Jeep Wrangler JL & JL Unlimited models, and all 2020 & newer JT Gladiators. Standard audio systems upgrade to 6.5” or 6.75” 2-way speakers while the premium Alpine® systems upgrade to 6.5” or 6.75” Component Speakers that feature separate tweeters. JLJT-Pods have a textured finish to match your sound bar and install easily – just remove the factory grilles and speakers, then attach the JLJT-Pods by re-using the factory grille screws. The new, larger speakers in the JLJT-Pods will line up with the sound bar woofer holes so the magnets can drop through as needed with room to spare.“
They give dimensions on mounting depth and magnet diameter maximums, but require no cutting so long as you don’t exceed those specs.

Nice! 6.5" will definitely sound better than the 3.5" / 4" combo. But looks like that 6.5" bracket drops down a bit but probably not too much of an issue compared to the sound upgrade as long as you're not crazy tall. Also seems you need to make sure the speaker and its magnet will fit. So a bit of a drop down for better sound might be worth it as long as the new speakers fit the bracket. But how much is the bracket, $140? Now we're getting beyond a speaker swap out and down the Jeep mod rabbit hole...might as well add the amp and the sub, and alpine head unit....plenty of threads on that.

 

[TylerV76]

I don't see how that's possible, there are 2 holes for 3.5" and a 4" speaker. All videos show 6.5 require cutting out an area for the 6.5 brackets. Have pics of it being done without cutting?

I have them in my Jeep. Zero cutting what so ever. Well worth it not to have to cut and to get a hell of a lot more range than the 4” and 3.5”. Havent had any issues with anyone hitting them in the back seat either.

 

[TylerV76]

…But how much is the bracket, $140? Now we're getting beyond a speaker swap out and down the Jeep mod rabbit hole...might as well add the amp and the sub, and alpine head unit....plenty of threads on that.

Well you could just add a kicker hideaway for $250 and have a complete system that sounds pretty incredible without swapping the radio.

 

[tpva_22]

So the other option for bigger sound is the 6.5 inch KS with the larger JL/JT pod brackets for ~ $245 total at Crutchfield ? ...I'd still stick with the Kicker CS 3.5" for the front corner dash

 

[tekkie]

So the other option for bigger sound is the 6.5 inch KS with the larger JL/JT pod brackets for ~ $245 total at Crutchfield ? ...I'd still stick with the Kicker CS 3.5" for the front corner dash

Those 6.5s are the ones I ordered for the knee panels, I just wish they were not such a pain to install.

 

[ohyoumad721]

Just finished swapping out the factory Wrangler JL speakers for a Kicker speaker upgrade. No amp, just a quick and easy replacement of the OEM speakers to the factory head unit ...and they sound great.

Total time is 45-60 minutes (about 5-10 mins per speaker). I changed the 2 dash corner speakers and 4 soundbar speakers but left the knee speakers alone.

With the Metra cables this was 100% plug and play. I went with the 4 inch Kicker KS speakers for the soundbar since it comes with a mounting bracket that perfectly fits the Wrangler JL (and it's their premium speaker). Then, I used the 3.5 inch Kicker CS speakers for the corner dash and soundbar because they do not require crossovers and fit perfectly (note: the 3.5 inch KS model requires crossover wiring and is a pain, so that's the main reason I went with the CS 3.5 inch models).

Added poly-fil ($5 bag from Walmart) and had almost the entire bag left over. You probably only need 4 ounces of it.

These speakers sound great and are much louder and crisper than the stock speakers. They are punchy, but not a lot of low bass. Good mid bass sound with clarity. I turned the treble to -3 to reduce the bright sound. Added a pic of the equalizer setting that I thought sounded best.

Overall, if you want better sound without an expensive professional upgrade (amp, sub, etc.) then I recommend these for fit, ease of install, price, and sound.

They sell these on Amazon but I went with Crutchfield since they included the plug n' play Metra cables for free (need to talk with agent on chat or phone). Overall, $160 total price for everything. Great price for new upgraded sound.

The Crutchfield site (and other sites) say these speakers don't fit but they do! I think the dimensions might be off by like 1/18 of an inch or something and their system doesn't tag it as an "official fit". There are several YouTube videos of others installs as well as my pics here.

Here's the speakers and cables:
(1 pair) Kicker 47KSC404 4" speaker (for soundbar)
https://www.crutchfield.com/p_20647KSC40/Kicker-47KSC404.html

(2 pairs) Kicker 46CSC354 3.5" speakers (for the front corner dash and soundbar)
https://www.crutchfield.com/p_20646CC354/Kicker-46CSC354.html

(1) Metra 72-6514 Speaker Wiring Harness (for the 4" KS soundbar speakers)
https://www.crutchfield.com/p_120726514/Metra-72-6514-Speaker-Wiring-Harness.html

(2) Metra 72-7902 Speaker Wiring Adapters (for the 3.5" dash and sounbar speakers).
https://www.crutchfield.com/p_120727902/Metra-72-7902-Speaker-Wiring-Adapters.html

(1) bag of Poly-fil for sound barrier (optional)

Question, the speakers you shared links for say they will not fit in those locations from the crutchfield site. they recommend 3.5 inch speakers instead. did these drop in the existing holes fine, but you just had to screw them into the plastic? then the grills went back on as they should? i'm just double checking before I order them. thanks!

 

[tpva_22]

Question, the speakers you shared links for say they will not fit in those locations from the crutchfield site. they recommend 3.5 inch speakers instead. did these drop in the existing holes fine, but you just had to screw them into the plastic? then the grills went back on as they should? i'm just double checking before I order them. thanks!

Yes, I said that in the post and provided pictures. They fit and the KS 4.5" comes with a bracket so no drilling is needed. The Crutchfield website says that but it's incorrect (also mentioned in reviews on the Crutchfield site).

Later in the thread it is mentioned you can opt to go with the 6.5" but those require brackets. Either way, both options fit and are plug and play.

 

[ohyoumad721]

Yes, I said that in the post and provided pictures. They fit and the KS 4.5" comes with a bracket so no drilling is needed. The Crutchfield website says that but it's incorrect (also mentioned in reviews on the Crutchfield site).

Later in the thread it is mentioned you can opt to go with the 6.5" but those require brackets. Either way, both options fit and are plug and play.

I did see your pics but wanted to make sure that was the deal. missed the part where you said crutchfield mentioned they wouldn't fit, etc.
thanks for your response and write up. gonna be ordering these and installing a powered sub. My wife has been complaining about the volume when the top is down. hoping this helps!

 

[tpva_22]

I did see your pics but wanted to make sure that was the deal. missed the part where you said crutchfield mentioned they wouldn't fit, etc.
thanks for your response and write up. gonna be ordering these and installing a powered sub. My wife has been complaining about the volume when the top is down. hoping this helps!

Yeah, it will definitely help with top down (louder and crisper) but there is no improvement in bass, you'll need that sub or possibly the 6.5" option mention later in the thread. Pick up a bad of polyfil from Walmart to stuff in the hollow areas around speakers ?

 

[BrandNewIn2022]

This may be a stupid question... where did you add the poly-fill? In the cavity above the speakers in the sound bar? I have installed alpine speakers to replace the basic ones in my sport and it has been a HUGE improvement and I don't even have the knee ones in yet.

Do you recall which Alpine speakers you used in the sound-bar? I'm curious if you went to 6.5" or something smaller without trimming plastic. Thanks.

 

[bonniejf]

Do you recall which Alpine speakers you used in the sound-bar? I'm curious if you went to 6.5" or something smaller without trimming plastic. Thanks.

They were stock alpine speakers I got from someone on this forum (out of a 4xe). So they fit perfectly with no trimming.

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