Wrangler JL Head Unit replacement options?

[zrickety]

Just a note about audio quality and speakers etc.

The 8.4 is usually paired with the Alpine premium package, better speakers/amp etc, the Alpine is what makes the difference in sound, not the 8.4 head unit.

The non Alpine or base speakers aren't the greatest IMO. If you have the non Alpine and is looking for better sound, then use the money to get better speakers/an amp etc, then decide if you still want the 8.4 or another system. There are quite a few threads that go into detail on what speaker and amp etc to install.

But like @zrickety suggested, use the phone to make the 7" better. The phone has better mapping and music options, apps etc.

One reason I would not recommend someone buying an 8.4, well then you most likely have to go back to Mopar or the dealer for support, and as it is the 8.4 is already an outdated system that Jeep shoves into the Wranglers, I think only the Wrangler gets this version of 8.4.

Bigger screen may also be prone to bigger fragile surface area.

That's another issue with the 8.4 more finger prints.

I test drove a lightly used Gladiator with the Alpine, it was tinny and disappointing. I don't know if someone had tampered with it though. I have been thoroughly impressed with the 'base' speakers in my soft top, I wonder if they installed the better ones by mistake.

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[Leblancchris]

IMO, save all your money and add an amp with an upgraded speaker. I have the basic 5", replaced the dash and roll bar speakers with an amp and is LOUD. I later found a deal on a JL stealthbox to add and what a difference. Not sure what the cost is from factory to upgrade from 5" to better or best they have? All in for me is around $1500. I'd put mine up against the best that Jeep has to offer and guarantee my sound is multiple times louder and still more clear.

where did you install your amp? Which one did you use?

 

[The Chubbernaut]

I'm far from an expert, having only had my jeep for a few days and only driven it three times. I can say that the 8.4 UConnect in it has already become a source of annoyance for me. The navigation seems to think I'm in San Diego, but shows me in the ocean. I also get a message saying 'Your position is not covered by the map content' when I try to enter information manually. I have looked on the uconnect website for an update, but the one they offer seems to be older than the one I currently have. I've also tried every suggestion given on the forums to perform a soft reset and none of them has worked for me.

Outside of the convenience of having navigation built into the car and not having to use my phone, the lack of an updated system doesn't really bother me. I can always plug my phone in and run google maps on the dash which is probably more reliable anyways. The bigger problem happened last time I drove it and my wife plugged her phone into the media port. The uconnect started having a fit like someone was holding down buttons or flipping through apps randomly. I've shut the jeep off and restarted a few times and it's still doing it. Most of my problems probably comes from operator error and unfamiliarity, but it's enough to make me consider replacing the OEM head unit with something else.

 

[1Evil55]

where did you install your amp? Which one did you use?

Amp went under the drivers seat, Kenwood 9015. Still have complete use of the seat uninterupted. I did have to remove the air vent that ran under the seat to the back seats however.

 

[kogolf]

If you don't want to spend the $$ then the best bet is to be patient and keep searching FB Marketplace, Craigslist, and the forum marketplace and hope you find a good deal on an 8.4 that someone is replacing,

Curious about options, there are not many. I have the 7'' and i see people posting that they are getting factory 8.4'' head units for like $400 but online i see them for $1,600 plus and aftermarket ones like Stinger for around $1,200. Are these essentially the only options (minus the junky ones) and are these really the prices? Any thoughts on where I could find a cheaper 8.4'' one?

I just bought and installed the litcomfy 12.1 android unit from Amazon- specifically for my Jeep Wrangler jl - it is fabulous- and was pretty easy to install- with the video that comes with the unit.
Looks like a Tesla unit and fits perfectly- it was under $700 and worth every penny!
Looks great and sounds so good I replaced 6 of my 8 speakers.
Highly recommend!

 

[Juanbello79]

Hola, yo tengo un 7’ y he comprado por eBay el 8’4, alguien podría decirme cómo obtener el código de activación de la nueva radio 8,4?

 

[Terpsmandan]

If I were working off of a base audio with the 7", I would add a Fosgate DSR-1 to JL Audio 5 channel amp and replace the speakers with Infinity. 3.5 in the dash. 6" drivers from a component system in the knee panels and a 6x9 kit in the sound bar.

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