The 8-inch JL Audio subwoofer...
The 8-inch JL Audio subwoofer fits perfectly in the JK Wrangler sub enclosure. The OE grill doesn't work with the new component, so we used a JL Audio subwoofer grille.
The 10-inch JL Audio subwoofer proved to be an issue. I didn't want to lose cargo space, but a custom enclosure would take away needed room. Lance suggested a false floor in the rear, but that would also reduce cargo space. I like the JK Wrangler factory subwoofer. It doesn't take up much room and still allows the use of a subwoofer in the Jeep. I talked a friend out of his, as he had gone another direction with his sound system and wasn't using it. While my 10-inch subwoofer wouldn't fit in the JK's 8-inch enclosure, a JL Audio low-profile 8W1v2-4 8-inch subwoofer would. Replacing the really cheesy factory paper-coned sub with the quality JL Audio component really makes a difference. Lance was able to mount the subwoofer in the back, letting me retain needed cargo space. The JL Audio amplifier mounted neatly under the rear seat.
For the interior, 4 Wheel Drive Hardware supplied Bestop factory seat covers. The Bestop covers are my favorite. They're strong and made of denim vinyl, so are easy to clean. A few years back, these seatcovers weren't fitting too well and were hard to install. Evidently, improvements were made, as these slipped right on and fit fine. Four Wheel Drive Hardware also supplied a pair of LED tail lights that are direct replacements for the OE units.
Mount Logan Off-Road will be doing the major portion of the build. While waiting for the Currie Rock Jocks to arrive, the Mount Logan crew installed their front bumper with a Warn 9500 HP PowerPlant winch, their rocker guards that deflect rocks and look great, and a Currie Enterprises spare carrier rear bumper with Tail Bonez that wrap around and protect the body. The Currie spare carrier was designed by yours truly and Wayne Hanson. It's been interesting over the years to see it copied so many times in so many ways. A Currie 1-inch body lift was installed, as well as JKS Manufacturing's 1-inch budget motor mounts. The JKS mounts raise the factory mounts 1-inch, letting us keep the vibration-damping OE rubber.
Next time, we'll be getting into the suspension and axle installation. For now, it's very nice to drive my goofy-looking stocker around listening to a sound system that's anything but.
 The Alpine CDA-9886 head unit...  The Alpine CDA-9886 head unit plays AM, FM, CD, satellite radio, and has a USB input and an iPod input. Crutchfield sent the Sirius Connect SC-C1 and Alpine Sirius interface so the head unit controls Sirius. The Alpine also receives HDRadio and is Bluetooth-capable. I usually like OE head units as they're simple to use with large controls that are easy to see. The Alpine was a pleasant surprise, as the display is very easy to read and controls are intuitive. I didn't have to look at the owner's manual to operate it (well, OK, I only had to glance at the owner's manual). The sound is clear and distortion-free. |  Even non-audiophiles can see...  Even non-audiophiles can see the difference in quality between the paper-coned factory subwoofer and the JL Audio low-profile 8W1v2-4 8-inch subwoofer. The proof is in the hearing, though, and the JL Audio sub doesn't disappoint. |  Here's the subwoofer and amplifier...  Here's the subwoofer and amplifier in the TJ. The JL Audio G Series G4500 80W x 4 amplifier is mounted under the rear seat. Two channels power the sound bar's 6.5-inch speakers. The other two bridged channels power the subwoofer. The JK subwoofer enclosure fits easily into the TJ. Lance removed the upper mounting ear and ran a bolt through the back of the enclosure into the wheel well to take the place of the upper mount. |
 Bestop seat covers protect...  Bestop seat covers protect the factory fabric seats. The denim vinyl is water resistant and easy to clean. If you tried these seatcovers in the past and they were hard to install and didn't fit well, check them out again. Bestop has improved the fit and installation takes just minutes. |  The Warn PowerPlant Dual Force...  The Warn PowerPlant Dual Force HP winch fits well on the Mount Logan Off-Road stubby front bumper. We reinstalled the factory fog lights. A Rock Slide Engineering steering box skidplate keeps rocks away. |  Mount Logan Off-Road rocker...  Mount Logan Off-Road rocker guards keep rocks and logs away from the rocker panels and deflect media flying up off the tires. |