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Re: 2014 Grand Cherokee Overland Install
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Re: 2014 Grand Cherokee Overland Install
Here is a Morel MT22 for reference to anyone considering them:
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1879/...5e99a1ca_b.jpg
And for anyone considering the Image Dynamics XS28, we gonna have our work cut out for us (literally):
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1838/...9afd6a5e_b.jpg
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Re: 2014 Grand Cherokee Overland Install
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Re: 2014 Grand Cherokee Overland Install
Right. So those fit. Now what. How do we get power to them?
Found this diagram that will hopefully help tomorrow - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Audio Wire Color Schematic
Had to dig through my speaker connectors to find some that fit. The positive terminal on the 6x9 are rather wide:
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1874/...7f102c8f_b.jpg
Alright, got that done. Something I've never been smart enough to put together though, is a plug and play harness. So why not try it now? Cut the plug off the factory bynine:
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1838/...e4590d54_b.jpg
Bent the tabs on the sides back around behind the plug, to make it easier for soldering:
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1812/...6b5fde66_b.jpg
And now tomorrow, we should be able to assemble a neat little adapter harness:
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1886/...0b5231e0_b.jpg
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Re: 2014 Grand Cherokee Overland Install
:snap::woohoo::shocked:
Way to go chit. Keep the work going
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Re: 2014 Grand Cherokee Overland Install
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Re: 2014 Grand Cherokee Overland Install
Harnesses were a bit snug, but worked perfect:
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1868/...1a7051e9_b.jpg
For anyone curious more about how I did it, this is the factory speaker connector:
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1899/...5a90cb11_b.jpg
Snipped the voice coil leads, used a flathead screwdriver to pry them free from the stamped basket. Then with a pair of mini needle nose, began bending the arms of the connections back around:
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1860/...c3a93809_b.jpg
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1865/...fbec0c15_b.jpg
Heard some things about the Image Dynamics XS component speakers being prone to picking up moisture and debris, and just happened to have a set of XTC 6.5" baffles laying around. Modified them a bit and used for all four doors:
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1880/...a58d61ef_b.jpg
[url=https://flic.kr/p/29mfgnS]https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1854/...fea33558_b.jpg
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Re: 2014 Grand Cherokee Overland Install
Rear door reference pictures for any other WK2 owners:
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1877/...589cf8aa_b.jpg
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1869/...26414715_b.jpg
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1862/...b0285238_b.jpg
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1858/...116ffb3d_b.jpg
As you can see, factory speaker is three screws. Aftermarket speaker, four screws. Uh oh. Aligned the replacement speaker best as possible to get it in the middle of the cutout:
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1898/...8a8bf610_b.jpg
As it happens, the Image Dynamics XS28 set I purchased from Woofers Etc. came with a lot of extra stuff, and just happened to include these handy things:
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1873/...520f6cfd_b.jpg
Much more secure than trying to screw into that little bit of material on the door:
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1857/...d8131b62_b.jpg
So, progress for today, all four door speakers have been swapped:
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1890/...5c175ea0_b.jpg
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1892/...7f1153cc_b.jpg
Will work on the sail panels and tweeters tomorrow.
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Re: 2014 Grand Cherokee Overland Install
Good job. Time to get the sail tweeters mounted now! How do you plan on pulling off the XS tweeters in there?
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Re: 2014 Grand Cherokee Overland Install
Gooooood question. Right now, eyeballing the flush trim router bit, and a holesaw.
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Re: 2014 Grand Cherokee Overland Install
Oh, I need to point out too - that wiring diagram link I posted above, it worked, for the driver's door. But when I moved straight back to the passenger door on the driver's side, the wire colors didn't match. Immediately tore the passenger side apart to find out, yup. Colors didn't match. Found this link instead with a TON of information - Jeep Grand Cherokee WK2 Series: 2011-2019
There is a link for these documents:
http://www.wk2jeeps.com/audio/2014_w...io_diagram.pdf
http://www.wk2jeeps.com/audio/2014_w...io_diagram.pdf
Premium 2 worked for me - colors matched up. Funny thing though, feel I should point this out to anyone wanting to use those factory speaker connectors to make a harness... DOUBLE check the diagram!!! I lined them all up, and was about to solder all the wires the same, and then it kinda clicked. Wait a minute. The front door negative, is on the right side of the connector, but the rear door negative, is on the left side. Or was it? Went out to the Jeep again to check, wrote it down, made sure I had the color and orientation correct, went back inside, looked at the diagram, and huh? Again, went back out to the Jeep, triple checked, and yup. The negatives are swapped on the factory terminals. If you used a harness for the rear doors, it's backwards on the front doors. After eyeballing the factory speakers though, it made sense. They use the same connector, but the orientation on how it attaches to the basket determines that it is backwards on the front doors. Just wanted to mention that in case someone tries to rush through this, and ends up with some phase issues.
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Re: 2014 Grand Cherokee Overland Install
So after some pondering and measuring, and deciding to keep going with this as factory as possible install theme... did some work tonight on the sail panels. Fingers crossed, as I really hope this idea works.
The Image Dynamics XS28 tweeters are pretty hefty. Larger than a Morel MT22 even.
This is the flush trim ring that comes with them:
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1877/...08478be6_b.jpg
And this is what they look like after some minor surgery:
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1879/...4102ecd3_b.jpg
The tweeters thread onto the trim piece, and there is another piece that thread onto the back to hold them in an A pillar or other mounting material. After unsuccessfully attempting surgery on the other piece, decided to separate the threaded barrel from the grille mounting surface. Why? Because the tweeters just barely miss fitting into the stock opening. They do however fit perfect, if they could be mounted from behind the ring. So, how do we accomplish that? This is my idea:
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1878/...9dc8045e_b.jpg
Whipped up a batch of the good stuff:
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1895/...f3939470_b.jpg
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1851/...5c680aed_b.jpg
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1892/...59762670_b.jpg
And now, we wait. Hopefully the adhesive works, and can just screw the tweeters right into the factory spot. Will figure out the grille option once we know whether this works or not. The XS28 grille almost fits into the lip around the factory opening, so may massage it just a bit in order for them to sit snugly.
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Re: 2014 Grand Cherokee Overland Install
Early morning tests confirm, it worked! They held very well, no spinning while trying to tighten into the mounts, flexing, cracking, nothing. So now, we move on to modifying some grilles :)
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Re: 2014 Grand Cherokee Overland Install
So it turns out that the rear retaining ring on the tweeters happens to be the same inside diameter as the factory sail panels:
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1862/...a8364572_b.jpg
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1866/...876ec450_b.jpg
And here is where the grille just barely doesn't work in that spot:
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1870/...cd15eb82_b.jpg
So, using that ring as a template, along with a pair of mini pliers, folded the bottom inwards, then back out to create a flange on the XS28 grille, that fits much better:
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1845/...6b887569_b.jpg
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1842/...09472478_b.jpg
It actually snaps into place on the retaining ring. I'm not sure it will do that on the sail panels though, probably will use some butyl adhesive just for extra holding power (especially when closing the doors and such)
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Re: 2014 Grand Cherokee Overland Install
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Re: 2014 Grand Cherokee Overland Install
those look great! keep it goin' :)
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Re: 2014 Grand Cherokee Overland Install
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Re: 2014 Grand Cherokee Overland Install
Decided to tear into the Jeep a bit more this morning. Got the spare tire tray and all out to find, whaaaaattttt?!?! An awesome location to hide amps and such, if you don't have the Quadra Lift Air Suspension. But if you do, well you get this nifty shiny silver air tank there instead:
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1927/...b1d8c66c_b.jpg
Great. Ok, whatever. Moving on. Passenger side panel removed:
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1940/...046686bb_b.jpg
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1976/...b80422d1_b.jpg
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1931/...4c923d2b_b.jpg
Ok, one, two, three nuts securing it. Remove them, unplug the harness, and here ya go:
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1977/...5af6f37b_b.jpg
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1935/...73afbe00_b.jpg
Well what's behind here I wonder?
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1909/...bda014b9_b.jpg
Do you think it's supposed to be spread out into the cavity, or neatly rolled up like this?
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1949/...bfc1f123_b.jpg
Pretty good amount of room in there:
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1926/...e25f59cf_b.jpg
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Re: 2014 Grand Cherokee Overland Install
So, who else is wondering what I'm wondering...
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1937/...8329a60c_b.jpg
Yup yup yup:
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1901/...6cc52be0_b.jpg
It's possible... a bit of engineering involved, but definitely a possibility. This piece wouldn't be difficult to cut at all for even more room, and doesn't seem to do anything structurally (it's very flimsy if you wiggle the center section):
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1955/...e08007ac_b.jpg
Ok, cool. What about the other side?
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1903/...a38ecca8_b.jpg
Amps could possibly fit here, right?
Uhhhh, no. Not where I wanted them anyways. Wanted to hide them behind the carpeted section, and build a mesh vent there instead to cover both. But:
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1956/...e663358c_b.jpg
As you can see, the amps put together are a bit lengthy. Not only that, but they don't seem to fit down into this space either between the wheelwell and panel:
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1934/...4b211ca5_b.jpg
Well, crud. Now what? Vertically, replacing the factory amp?
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1952/...6e03b8d2_b.jpg
Nope, not enough depth:
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1976/...bf8f527e_b.jpg
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1972/...5bfa92a7_b.jpg
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Re: 2014 Grand Cherokee Overland Install
Anybody got an idea on where they could go?
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1973/...ce6cde4d_b.jpg
Or another 6 channels plus single sub channel options?
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Re: 2014 Grand Cherokee Overland Install
Can you stack mdf under the tank hold downs to create enough room to slide the amps under the tank?
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Re: 2014 Grand Cherokee Overland Install
I can take a look at that for sure! Messed around with the side panel more last night:
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1931/...cd7d2b90_b.jpg
There looks to be just enough room, if we carry over into that vented section for the factory amp to get air. This of course means cutting the vented section and the carpeted portion of that panel:
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1947/...9e25f7f3_b.jpg
By cutting both sections, and pushing the amps towards the back, it looks like they might fit without having to severely modify the entire piece:
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1942/...c9eac4dd_b.jpg
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1915/...18804c50_b.jpg
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1917/...e9856339_b.jpg
Just for poots and giggles, here is the Zuki six channel I'd hoped to use originally:
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1927/...b17e62be_b.jpg
Uhhh...
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1930/...6991290a_b.jpg
Memphis Belle? :D
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1933/...4d7ea532_b.jpg
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Re: 2014 Grand Cherokee Overland Install
Well, a required maintenance item for the Grand Cherokee could potentially change the entire outcome of this build. Will advise soon. Let's just say, didn't realize how expensive tires had become.
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Re: 2014 Grand Cherokee Overland Install
When you need new tires its cheaper to just trash the car and get a new one.
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Re: 2014 Grand Cherokee Overland Install
You're telling me. Researched just getting some Jeep Wrangler wheels, because a lot of those guys almost give away the stock wheels and tires (which are 32", and the GC can clear right at 32" tires with no issues). But of course, being the Overland and a HEMI, 17" wheels won't fit due to the HD brakes that come on there as part of the towing package.
Boogers.
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Re: 2014 Grand Cherokee Overland Install
Tried some surgery yesterday evening to see if we can fit any amps in there. Cut the carpeted panel away from the wheelwell cover to get a better look at the space:
https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7821/...20d748ab_b.jpg
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4888/...5d0ab186_b.jpg
Woke up this morning, and after playing around with a few ideas, decided that this configuration just might work:
https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7834/...8d492ef6_b.jpg
There is room underneath where the little cargo cubby thing was, and when the factory amp is removed, that frees up some more space:
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4851/...41b97791_b.jpg
Double stacked, vertically, maybe, just maybe:
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4910/...aa20544c_b.jpg
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Re: 2014 Grand Cherokee Overland Install
So, after some more surgery:
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4877/...0d6be23e_b.jpg
Looks like this could happen! Forgot you can turn the logos too, that definitely takes it up a level in my opinion:
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4867/...dc594762_b.jpg
https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7805/...4cc8ab95_b.jpg
Turns out, they didn't fit. Sunuva!!! After all that? Well, almost. Took me a minute to figure out, they just have to turn around and face the other way, connections towards the rear. Had to cut even more of the carpeted panel away also. Tilted just a bit too, they do fit!
https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7900/...2dd3b245_b.jpg
It's very very close on this one though, very slim fit for sure:
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4882/...3942fb26_b.jpg
I'll have to put the mono on the bottom though, as the subwoofer connector is positioned closer to the middle, moving it up higher from the bottom, which makes them fit better. The six channel, with the connections all the way at the edge of the amp, hit the body of the Jeep and won't have any room to fit a wire in there, let alone 12 of them.
So yeah, it's ugly, but proof that there is a working (non-factory) setup in the Grand Cherokee right now!
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4813/...c024c062_b.jpg
A video if anyone is interested:
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4869/...e5178843_b.jpg
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Re: 2014 Grand Cherokee Overland Install
Damn son, you got with the program. You just might get this thing done by the first of May after all. So, how does it sound without any tuning? Time for you to get a mic and start doing rta stuffs like the cool kids;)
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Re: 2014 Grand Cherokee Overland Install
No doubt. It sounds good, far as height. But of course, some major separation left to right. Phase swap of the sub put that stuff right up front, easy fix there. Once the IDMAX is in there, and the amp rack is done, will definitely get cracking on the tuning!
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Re: 2014 Grand Cherokee Overland Install
Tire dilemma solved. Goodyear Tire dealer just across the state line hooked us up! Got nine tires for both Jeeps, at almost the price of just the five for my wife's Wrangler!!!
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Re: 2014 Grand Cherokee Overland Install
Started on the amp rack. First with a template, because that shape is way too complex to just wing it:
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4907/...290296c1_b.jpg
Using the factory amp bracket as a guide. However, the amps sit further down than this bracket. Meaning the corner of the amps is about halfway into this bracket, so I couldn't use it to get an angle. However, I can use this, to make sure the amp rack secures using the same three mounting locations:
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4863/...e729bf3a_b.jpg
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4827/...8b087d9d_b.jpg
Alright, so here we go. Snip snip, snip snip snip, snip some more, and trace:
https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7805/...36d5c000_b.jpg
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4881/...39f46ed9_b.jpg
Tools I used for this project:
https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7873/...1f9b317f_b.jpg
Predrilled the corners to try and keep them smooth as possible:
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4814/...c8086c2a_b.jpg
Then we cut:
https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7842/...104dc065_b.jpg
This took most of the day. Without the proper metal working equipment, just some Vise-grips, rubber mallet, a 16oz. hammer, and a bunch of 2x4's - had to be very patient, and very careful. But eventually, ended up with this:
https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7885/...70c60dbc_b.jpg
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Re: 2014 Grand Cherokee Overland Install
Made a bracket for the DSR1 with a similar method to mount under the amps. Everything seems to be fitting just perfect at the moment. Will be cleaning them and painting, then see about attaching everything to the brackets.
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Re: 2014 Grand Cherokee Overland Install
Found these little posts at Lowe's for almost a dollar each. Already had the machine screws from a subwoofer enclosure years past, so pairing the two together:
https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7810/...924508b6_b.jpg
We get this:
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4833/...8aa63fc0_b.jpg
Nice compact stack:
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4898/...e07829d9_b.jpg
And just about as perfect of a fit that I could ask for:
https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7861/...4ef6f5f2_b.jpg
https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7895/...bb74ae0a_b.jpg
Did add some foam weatherstripping underneath the amps to keep them from directly touching each other, and the bracket. Allows a little more air all the way around them also.
Started on the harness tonight too. Debating on modifying the RCA output from the DSR1 just a tad... will definitely look into it. Ordered some more parts just in case.
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Re: 2014 Grand Cherokee Overland Install
Damn, that's slicker than snot!
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Re: 2014 Grand Cherokee Overland Install
Look at you and all yer fancy schmancy DIYin’! Awesome work, brother!!!
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Re: 2014 Grand Cherokee Overland Install
Thank you friends! Just trying to live up to the awesomeness around here!
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Re: 2014 Grand Cherokee Overland Install
Cleaned up the harness finally. Lot of little wires to clip off from the previous install attempt. Needed a fresh start, definitely want to make this a lot more compact:
https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7912/...d2fe6a85_b.jpg
Also have an idea on the output side, may just add new wires right after the plug, and put male RCA connectors on there, to plug directly into the amplifiers. Thinking less connections, less issues to worry about later, less resistance, blah blah blah...
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4847/...6849758d_b.jpg
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Re: 2014 Grand Cherokee Overland Install
New wiring harness is completed:
https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7856/...83d73bef_b.jpg
Far different from the tangled mess of wires I had planned to put in there before. Did the techflex treatment on all the wires, and re-installed everything:
https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7818/...71a5f2ae_b.jpg
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4811/...8be96143_b.jpg
Took advice from other Grand Cherokee owners and installed these rubber grommets on the three bracket mounting bolts, and also on the posts securing the amps. Should help avoid any potential ground loop noise issues:
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4862/...91e605d7_b.jpg
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4858/...d8fde0d5_b.jpg
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Re: 2014 Grand Cherokee Overland Install
Also started on the subwoofer mounting. Enclosure? No. After talking to HillbillySQ (blame him if you don't like this idea) - decided to try something different. Since I planned on going into the wheel well with the enclosure to gain more volume and fit the massive IDMAX motor, spent some time out there scoping the space. That's when I saw the little vent for the outside. Wait, vent, to outside? That's right. Lightbulb.
Traced the factory enclosure and marked for the subwoofer mounting:
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4909/...28d5f59d_b.jpg
Decided to do a double thickness interlocking thing to get enough bracing for this heavy sumbeech:
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4818/...225dbcae_b.jpg
And there you have it, an IB mounted IDMAX, in the factory subwoofer location:
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4807/...681bd0d5_b.jpg
https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7810/...b44e091a_b.jpg
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Re: 2014 Grand Cherokee Overland Install
The subwoofer mounting is temporary. Wanted to make sure it would work first, before doing a final install with it. First impressions, it's not the boom boom boom I secretly hoped for, but it has that seamless impact I do remember hearing many years back from an IDMAX in a large sealed sonotube. Definitely pleased already.