2014 Grand Cherokee Overland Install

[chithead]

Started on the amp rack. First with a template, because that shape is way too complex to just wing it:



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:





Alright, so here we go. Snip snip, snip snip snip, snip some more, and trace:





Tools I used for this project:



Predrilled the corners to try and keep them smooth as possible:



Then we cut:



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:

[chithead]

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.

[chithead]

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:



We get this:



Nice compact stack:



And just about as perfect of a fit that I could ask for:





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.

[BigAl205]

Damn, that's slicker than snot!

[beak81champ]

Look at you and all yer fancy schmancy DIYin’! Awesome work, brother!!!

[chithead]

Thank you friends! Just trying to live up to the awesomeness around here!

[chithead]

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:



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...

[chithead]

New wiring harness is completed:



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:





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:

[chithead]

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:



Decided to do a double thickness interlocking thing to get enough bracing for this heavy sumbeech:



And there you have it, an IB mounted IDMAX, in the factory subwoofer location:

[chithead]

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.