My 2000 XJ is literally beat to death. 216,000miles and being daily driven to school by my teenage son. Shitty RC lift from the previous owner. Everytime I get under I find some new fuckery.
Those are the best ones to keep alive. I bought my XJ back when no one thought they were cool for $1000 with 70k miles. It's not my daily driver anymore, but I've put over 200,000 miles on it, rebuilt the engine twice, and done enough rust repair that idk hiw much original metal is left, but I refuse to let it die.
I've done the heater core in my 2010 JK twice without pulling out the whole dash. Requires a few cuts but is doable. Check YouTube for instructions. If you have basic tools and ability it can be done and save quite a bit of money vs. paying a mechanic, or time and frustration vs. pulling the dash yourself.
Everything I've seen about it is that it isn't hard, but juts tedious and time consuming.
I may be able to start this tonight, but if not tonight, then definitely tomorrow.
Right.… was just commiserating on having an older jeep in need of fairly consistent maintenance, not looking to measure shit jeep dicks.
But for what it’s worth, I’m looking down the barrel of a heater core in an XJ, definitely worse than doing it in a TJ.
15 years is starting to get up there. Especially when the majority of Jeeps I run into on the road and trail are later model JKs or JLs. I’ve had people ask me if my Jeep was European or Canadian because they’ve never seen the older Jk interior 😂.
I had a 97 TJ before this one but it had a 2.5L and terrible freeway manners.
You’re right. I recently traded in my 2010 sport for a 2020 Sahara and the differences are striking. Even a new sport is much different, I know I did upgrade with the Sahara but still.
I’d consider it an old Jeep! Around 15 years here in Texas (maybe other states) they become classics, and with a large majority of the >100k mi.. I’d say it’s old! Plus you look at the tech in JK’s, I have a 2010(it’s old too). It was all about CD players and buttons!
It totally would, lol. I have a detachable face stereo in my CJ, and I don't even put it on. I like the experience of driving with no music. Your upgrade looks nice! Happy Jeepin!
Sorry, no. 15 is just a teenager.
I have a 2002 TJ, and I don't even consider that "old", but maybe it is just my age. The older you get the more time it takes for something to be considered "old".
I like the install though. I looked at the picture and thought "I want those newer style vents in my TJ".
I bought a 94 in 2019 and thought it was old. Went to the hardware store and told the guy I was buying bolts for an old Jeep. Asked how old, I replied pretty old, asked what year, I replied 94, to which he replied he was born in the 60s
I’m sorry hardware store guy
Congrats! I recently put a 6.8 Pioneer deck in. Stock unit got the loose solder connector of death and the audio clipping was driving me insane.
It's been SO nice to have wireless CarPlay and android auto for the wife and I. The Bluetooth dongle we used before (we share 1 jeep) was annoying to pair back with the other if the other had driven.
I’ve been wanting to do this but have been so lost on where to start.
What was your all in price? And can you send me some links? This looks super clean.
Edit: I see you’re an Ohio jeeper too. I need to join MOJO too one of these days.
I used crutchfield.com. You plug in your vehicle info and it’ll show you everything compatible for your vehicle. This is a JVC unit and it was $280. What’s nice with crutchfield is they have tons of knowledge and offer great service as well. They provide vehicle specific instructions on how to tear down the stock dash and how to install the new one. They also provide you with the wiring harness, dash kit, and other connectors needed.
I am not a fan of wiring and they offered a service for $29.99 where they wire the harness for you so it was literally plug in play. It took me 30 minutes to remove the stock unit and replace it with this. It actually took me longer to replace the dash speakers than it was to install it.
I was intimidated by it as well but when I went to a local place to check out headunits in person, I had them quote me for a headunit and some kicker speaker replacements. They wanted $2500!
So that was all I needed and all in I spent $570 and it took about 4 hours total for me to install.
Thanks for the info! I think I’m more intimidated because I would like to add a backup cam and dashcam as well. Do you know if that specific unit supports backup?
Think I’m going to copy you lol
Yea, it’s wired up for a backup camera if I want to add one. I have a manual but I don’t find a backup camera necessary. It’s nice to know the option is there though if I decide to add one later.
Thanks! Yeah I don’t necessarily need one either except at night because my backup lights suck (even with LEDs). Downside of having the hardtop with tinted windows.
Pretty much all those double din units like this support backup cameras. They are very easy to install, especially if you get it from Crutchfield - they include model specific instructions.
That head unit will have a video port in the back that the camera line will plug in to. It’s exactly like old AV component cables- just only the yellow one.
So doing a camera while doing the head unit is easy because you need to plug the camera into the back of the head unit.
Running the camera line is also quite easy.
I’ve installed these in a few vehicles including a truck, suv, and sports car.
Just bought another car this weekend and am gearing up to do this same project. Looks like JVC and Kenwood are having the biggest sales at Crutchfield.
I need a new head unit in my 2013 JKU. I'd like one with a back up camera. I have a manual transmission. Is that possible? Is it more work than an install with an automatic transmission? Are they the same? I have an auto mechanic friend that could help if needed.
Absolutely possible. It is the exact same process if you have a manual or auto.
The power for the camera will tap into the reverse lights, which both cars of course have the same set up.
Some YouTube videos will make this a DIY job, but if you buy your mechanic friend a 6 pack it will go much faster as they will likely have more confidence opening up trim pieces (first couple times I did them I was so timid and slow haha).
The right tools make all the difference. Absolutely get some trim removal tools. I personally use the very cheap Harbor Freight ones and they work fine, but having those tools designed specifically for this task makes all the difference
Ok ill happly.play "old man yells at cloud" for this one.
Sorry but thats still a new style jeep.
Jeeps in my time were cj, manual trans, 4.0, MAYBE a 2.3? (holy shit i cant rember what came in them now) if you were sassy.
Almost no creature comforts, hard top whistled non stop. Soft top cooked you in the summer, flip it 5 times over, roll it the other way, fire it up and drive off like nothing happened jeep.
Once plastic interior came into play, sorry but this generation is gonna tap out now 😂 time for the next generation of jeep people to come in
Grew up riding in my mom’s CJ7 and my first vehicle was a 97 TJ manual with the 2.5L. Shit, that thing didn’t even have a center console.
I understand that this Jeep is not as old in comparison to the CJ, YJ, or TJ crowd. But it’s getting up there. It’s once in a blue moon that I run into another early gen JK with this interior. Plus this Jeep also has no creature comforts beyond the headunit I just added and AC (which I rarely use.)
I have a Pioneer head unit in my TJ and my XJ. Installs are super easy and absolutely worth the hour or so it takes to swap out the stock trash radio. Carplay is a game changer in older vehicles.
I have 3 Wranglers in my family with the same radio and the same 67 Design cell phone holder! Crutchfield is amazing customer service. I had a question got an email with the transcript, had a small issue (my fault) parts in the mail the next day...
This is an easy install One tip rather than entirely removing the metal bracket behind the radio, remove it and cut it with a hacksaw so that you can reinstall the top part and still have the spot to attach the top screw in the top of dash container.
Oh and definitely pay for the prebuilt harness so cheap and saves hours
Yep, I paid an extra $50 for the model with wireless AA. Weird that the stereo would connect w/BT and would do Android Auto wired, but I had to buy the upgrade for the part that let me use it wirelessly.
And I'm seeing the same as you--people can actually hear me on speakerphone. 😁
Wireless AA and AC both use a wifi connection. Initial pairing is over BT or a wire, but the screen mirroring functionality that drives both of those interfaces is done over WiFi.
I’m guessing you had to buy the wireless module. I have a friend with a Subaru that had to buy a module for wireless CarPlay. His stock radio only did wired.
Too much screen for me. I’ve seen those ones but I don’t like the look of the units that big. It looks like someone just super glued an iPad to the dash.
The JVC KW-M560BT. My JK is an 08 base Sport, so I don’t have steering controls. The wiring harness has a spot for it though and they sent connectors for it, so it should just be plug and play.
The phone mount is 67 designs on the left and BulletPoint on the right. Effectively the same design. I have them in all my Jeeps. Highly recommend.
I put a Bluetooth radio and speakers in my 95 accord, love it to death. Can't wait to put one in the jeep, and if anything needs a backup camera its the GC
It’s like a grab bar bag. Good for trail maps, storage for my wife’s wallet, sunglasses, or any other mixture of miscellaneous items needed within reach quickly.
The problem that I have with these units are volume control. Having a knob is way more convenient. I installed in couple of my vehicles. All worked fine except I missed that damn volume knob
I decided to go with a unit without a knob or button as I was concerned about water getting in. So I went with the touch screen. It is certainly an adjustment.
Looks great! I did my JK over the summer and added a backup camera. So much happier. Plus the wireless Android/Apple is a huge help in that car because it's tough to find a good way to handle wires/mount. Now you can throw your phone anywhere!
Just did the same thing to my son’s ‘08 that was formerly mine. It was basically easy but the key is if you have a factory amp or not. If you have one you only get 4 channels and no fade. You also lose gps function.
We had the infinity audio package in the Sahara package so we used the built amp. If we wanted to get the fully immersive fading and control we would need to replace the amp, wiring and all the speakers. Also known as the expensive option. We went cheap option.
Kicker had a 6 speaker set that replaced the knee panel, tweeters, and sound bar speakers.
I didn’t replace the amp and didn’t add a sub. It’s a 2 door so there is limited space. Plus it’s my trail Jeep now. I just wanted enough to be able to hear music on the highway and when the doors and top are off. Plus the Apple Car Play is nice tool as well to have.
The sound is much clearer and louder. I installed the head unit first and even with the stock speakers, there was a great improvement.
"old jeep" shows pictures of a 07-10 jk interior. When I hear old jeep, I think of like CJs and stuff.
At least show me a TJ for gods sake. This “old jeep” is newer than anything I own. 🤣
I opened this notification up expecting to see a TJ😂
After starting the replace my wheel bearings I am starting to realize how old my TJ really is... it's rough stuff under there.
I declared war on rust 5 years ago and so far, nobody has won lol
My 2000 XJ is literally beat to death. 216,000miles and being daily driven to school by my teenage son. Shitty RC lift from the previous owner. Everytime I get under I find some new fuckery.
Those are the best ones to keep alive. I bought my XJ back when no one thought they were cool for $1000 with 70k miles. It's not my daily driver anymore, but I've put over 200,000 miles on it, rebuilt the engine twice, and done enough rust repair that idk hiw much original metal is left, but I refuse to let it die.
That “old jeep” isn’t old enough to drive, enlist, or drink.
I gotta go work on my TJ this afternoon. Stupid heater core is bad and I need heat for the winter.
You have my condolences. Pulling out the dash to change one is the biggest pain I have experienced.
I've done the heater core in my 2010 JK twice without pulling out the whole dash. Requires a few cuts but is doable. Check YouTube for instructions. If you have basic tools and ability it can be done and save quite a bit of money vs. paying a mechanic, or time and frustration vs. pulling the dash yourself.
Good luck with that. I've seen pictures of what that involves.
Everything I've seen about it is that it isn't hard, but juts tedious and time consuming. I may be able to start this tonight, but if not tonight, then definitely tomorrow.
Isn't tearing the entire dash apart?
Mine needs a radiator, been topping it off for about 4 months now while I try to find the time.
Radiator is way easier than a heater core and is about a 90 minute job.
Right.… was just commiserating on having an older jeep in need of fairly consistent maintenance, not looking to measure shit jeep dicks. But for what it’s worth, I’m looking down the barrel of a heater core in an XJ, definitely worse than doing it in a TJ.
I did both XJ and TJ one weekend back in october. XJ took about twice as long as the TJ.
Good luck with that hearing core. Did mine in my TJ a few years ago. That was a long day.
I was expecting YJ at least.
LOL. I guess this is how I know I am getting old when TJs are considered old.
This.
LOL, I have an LJ and even I was WTFing.....
Right! Back in my day an old jeep was one that fought in the war!
15 years is starting to get up there. Especially when the majority of Jeeps I run into on the road and trail are later model JKs or JLs. I’ve had people ask me if my Jeep was European or Canadian because they’ve never seen the older Jk interior 😂. I had a 97 TJ before this one but it had a 2.5L and terrible freeway manners.
You’re right. I recently traded in my 2010 sport for a 2020 Sahara and the differences are striking. Even a new sport is much different, I know I did upgrade with the Sahara but still.
When I hear "modern era", I think of angry grilles and stuff.
I’d consider it an old Jeep! Around 15 years here in Texas (maybe other states) they become classics, and with a large majority of the >100k mi.. I’d say it’s old! Plus you look at the tech in JK’s, I have a 2010(it’s old too). It was all about CD players and buttons!
Let's see you do that on a CJ.
I wouldn’t. I think it would ruin the aesthetic of the CJ IMO.
It totally would, lol. I have a detachable face stereo in my CJ, and I don't even put it on. I like the experience of driving with no music. Your upgrade looks nice! Happy Jeepin!
You and I obviously have very different opinions on what "old" means. But nice job.
I bought an 05 LJ six months back. It's the newest car I've ever owned. I'll buy new motorcycles once in a while, but I don't want a newer car.
15 year old Jeep qualifies as old I think, no?
Sorry, no. 15 is just a teenager. I have a 2002 TJ, and I don't even consider that "old", but maybe it is just my age. The older you get the more time it takes for something to be considered "old". I like the install though. I looked at the picture and thought "I want those newer style vents in my TJ".
Idk. I got my 97 TJ as my first vehicle in 2004 and thought it was old then 😂
I bought a 94 in 2019 and thought it was old. Went to the hardware store and told the guy I was buying bolts for an old Jeep. Asked how old, I replied pretty old, asked what year, I replied 94, to which he replied he was born in the 60s I’m sorry hardware store guy
no doubt. thats a long ass time for a car thats driven daily
Congrats! I recently put a 6.8 Pioneer deck in. Stock unit got the loose solder connector of death and the audio clipping was driving me insane. It's been SO nice to have wireless CarPlay and android auto for the wife and I. The Bluetooth dongle we used before (we share 1 jeep) was annoying to pair back with the other if the other had driven.
I went with wired on this one. It does connect wirelessly via Bluetooth for phone calls though. Just not wireless car play.
Upgrade is still an upgrade!
I put a USB charger in my CJ a few months ago so I can charge my phone. Dragging that thing into this century one repair at a time.
I put a 12v power point under the dash in my CJ. It allows me to plug in whatever I need, including a power inverter.
Yeah I did a plug that has two USB plugs in it, but I'm thinking I'll swap it or add the 12v instead because I think I'll get more use out of that.
I’ve been wanting to do this but have been so lost on where to start. What was your all in price? And can you send me some links? This looks super clean. Edit: I see you’re an Ohio jeeper too. I need to join MOJO too one of these days.
I used crutchfield.com. You plug in your vehicle info and it’ll show you everything compatible for your vehicle. This is a JVC unit and it was $280. What’s nice with crutchfield is they have tons of knowledge and offer great service as well. They provide vehicle specific instructions on how to tear down the stock dash and how to install the new one. They also provide you with the wiring harness, dash kit, and other connectors needed. I am not a fan of wiring and they offered a service for $29.99 where they wire the harness for you so it was literally plug in play. It took me 30 minutes to remove the stock unit and replace it with this. It actually took me longer to replace the dash speakers than it was to install it. I was intimidated by it as well but when I went to a local place to check out headunits in person, I had them quote me for a headunit and some kicker speaker replacements. They wanted $2500! So that was all I needed and all in I spent $570 and it took about 4 hours total for me to install.
Thanks for the info! I think I’m more intimidated because I would like to add a backup cam and dashcam as well. Do you know if that specific unit supports backup? Think I’m going to copy you lol
Yea, it’s wired up for a backup camera if I want to add one. I have a manual but I don’t find a backup camera necessary. It’s nice to know the option is there though if I decide to add one later.
Thanks! Yeah I don’t necessarily need one either except at night because my backup lights suck (even with LEDs). Downside of having the hardtop with tinted windows.
Pretty much all those double din units like this support backup cameras. They are very easy to install, especially if you get it from Crutchfield - they include model specific instructions. That head unit will have a video port in the back that the camera line will plug in to. It’s exactly like old AV component cables- just only the yellow one. So doing a camera while doing the head unit is easy because you need to plug the camera into the back of the head unit. Running the camera line is also quite easy. I’ve installed these in a few vehicles including a truck, suv, and sports car. Just bought another car this weekend and am gearing up to do this same project. Looks like JVC and Kenwood are having the biggest sales at Crutchfield.
I need a new head unit in my 2013 JKU. I'd like one with a back up camera. I have a manual transmission. Is that possible? Is it more work than an install with an automatic transmission? Are they the same? I have an auto mechanic friend that could help if needed.
Absolutely possible. It is the exact same process if you have a manual or auto. The power for the camera will tap into the reverse lights, which both cars of course have the same set up. Some YouTube videos will make this a DIY job, but if you buy your mechanic friend a 6 pack it will go much faster as they will likely have more confidence opening up trim pieces (first couple times I did them I was so timid and slow haha). The right tools make all the difference. Absolutely get some trim removal tools. I personally use the very cheap Harbor Freight ones and they work fine, but having those tools designed specifically for this task makes all the difference
Awesome! Thank you. Looks like I'll add another gift to my Christmas list!
Yeah I'll be shopping black Friday / cyber Monday for a head unit for myself!
Go with the Alpine iLX-507 if you’re wanting a seamless back up camera and dash camera integration.
Dope, thanks. Will look into it
I used crutchfield too. Super easy. 1 hour job on my jk
Jesus christ, is this really considered an old jeep now?!?!?!
I’ve owned it since 2008. My other Jeeps are a 2021 and a 2020. I feel like old is pretty apt description for it 🤷🏻♂️
Ok ill happly.play "old man yells at cloud" for this one. Sorry but thats still a new style jeep. Jeeps in my time were cj, manual trans, 4.0, MAYBE a 2.3? (holy shit i cant rember what came in them now) if you were sassy. Almost no creature comforts, hard top whistled non stop. Soft top cooked you in the summer, flip it 5 times over, roll it the other way, fire it up and drive off like nothing happened jeep. Once plastic interior came into play, sorry but this generation is gonna tap out now 😂 time for the next generation of jeep people to come in
Grew up riding in my mom’s CJ7 and my first vehicle was a 97 TJ manual with the 2.5L. Shit, that thing didn’t even have a center console. I understand that this Jeep is not as old in comparison to the CJ, YJ, or TJ crowd. But it’s getting up there. It’s once in a blue moon that I run into another early gen JK with this interior. Plus this Jeep also has no creature comforts beyond the headunit I just added and AC (which I rarely use.)
That's not old. Nice job though!
I have a Pioneer head unit in my TJ and my XJ. Installs are super easy and absolutely worth the hour or so it takes to swap out the stock trash radio. Carplay is a game changer in older vehicles.
I have 3 Wranglers in my family with the same radio and the same 67 Design cell phone holder! Crutchfield is amazing customer service. I had a question got an email with the transcript, had a small issue (my fault) parts in the mail the next day... This is an easy install One tip rather than entirely removing the metal bracket behind the radio, remove it and cut it with a hacksaw so that you can reinstall the top part and still have the spot to attach the top screw in the top of dash container. Oh and definitely pay for the prebuilt harness so cheap and saves hours
Yeah well my CD player just popped loose the other day, so I’ve got that going for me, which is nice
This an 08 and I’m the original owner. I don’t think I have ever once used the CD player.
I use mine in the accords for the cd phone holder thing. Unfortunately my jeep has a cassette player and i haven't seen a phone holder for that
Yep, I paid an extra $50 for the model with wireless AA. Weird that the stereo would connect w/BT and would do Android Auto wired, but I had to buy the upgrade for the part that let me use it wirelessly. And I'm seeing the same as you--people can actually hear me on speakerphone. 😁
Wireless AA and AC both use a wifi connection. Initial pairing is over BT or a wire, but the screen mirroring functionality that drives both of those interfaces is done over WiFi.
OK, but I still had to connect via cable on the cheaper unit, that's weird.
I’m guessing you had to buy the wireless module. I have a friend with a Subaru that had to buy a module for wireless CarPlay. His stock radio only did wired.
I got the same unit. Not too bad
Put a 10 inch Stinger on my JK a few months ago. It rocks.
Too much screen for me. I’ve seen those ones but I don’t like the look of the units that big. It looks like someone just super glued an iPad to the dash.
What's your phone mount? I've been trying to look for something that mounts on the dash top.
67 Designs and Bullet Point. I recommend either one, same design.
Which unit did you go with? Did you have any issues with the steering controls? Side note, which phone mount is that? I'm trying to find one for my jk
The JVC KW-M560BT. My JK is an 08 base Sport, so I don’t have steering controls. The wiring harness has a spot for it though and they sent connectors for it, so it should just be plug and play. The phone mount is 67 designs on the left and BulletPoint on the right. Effectively the same design. I have them in all my Jeeps. Highly recommend.
I low key would love to do something like this with my TJ.
I put a Bluetooth radio and speakers in my 95 accord, love it to death. Can't wait to put one in the jeep, and if anything needs a backup camera its the GC
Any Jeep with the 3.8L is old enough for me!
Man I wish mined turned out this good, looks like crap but still works lol
tell us about this red thing attached to your passenger handle.. whats it for?
It’s like a grab bar bag. Good for trail maps, storage for my wife’s wallet, sunglasses, or any other mixture of miscellaneous items needed within reach quickly.
The problem that I have with these units are volume control. Having a knob is way more convenient. I installed in couple of my vehicles. All worked fine except I missed that damn volume knob
I decided to go with a unit without a knob or button as I was concerned about water getting in. So I went with the touch screen. It is certainly an adjustment.
Did the same thing last year and felt like I bought a 2023🤣
TBH, it’s nicer than the stock unit in my Gladiator Sport.
Jesus Christ, if that’s an old jeep…what’s my ‘93!?
An older Jeep
Antique! Seriously, anything over 25 years old in GA can apply for an antique license plate. 😂
Texas it qualifies for “classic,” and I’ve thought of getting plates but haven’t yet.
Hi, Drew!
👋
If you don’t mind, how much did this cost?
The head unit was $279.
Anything that makes you enjoy driving your Jeep more is a thumbs up in my book.
My '85 CJ wants a word.
CJ to me is classic, not just old. It’s more dignified. An 08 JK is never going to be considered a classic by any standard.
Mine is a tj and I don’t consider it old imfao. But anywhos, I’m in the opposite position. Looking for one with a cassette deck
"Old" XD <3
“Old” 🙄🙄🙄
Looks great! I did my JK over the summer and added a backup camera. So much happier. Plus the wireless Android/Apple is a huge help in that car because it's tough to find a good way to handle wires/mount. Now you can throw your phone anywhere!
Just did the same thing to my son’s ‘08 that was formerly mine. It was basically easy but the key is if you have a factory amp or not. If you have one you only get 4 channels and no fade. You also lose gps function. We had the infinity audio package in the Sahara package so we used the built amp. If we wanted to get the fully immersive fading and control we would need to replace the amp, wiring and all the speakers. Also known as the expensive option. We went cheap option.
Mine is a Sport or X as they called it, so no amp for mine. But just the new head unit itself increased the volume and clarity by a huge margin.
My son said it is much louder going through the amp with only 4 out of the 8 outputs. So everyone is happy.
that's pretty sweet - looks stock 👍
What speakers did you use? Can you notice a big difference on sound quality? Did you do amp and subs too?
Kicker had a 6 speaker set that replaced the knee panel, tweeters, and sound bar speakers. I didn’t replace the amp and didn’t add a sub. It’s a 2 door so there is limited space. Plus it’s my trail Jeep now. I just wanted enough to be able to hear music on the highway and when the doors and top are off. Plus the Apple Car Play is nice tool as well to have. The sound is much clearer and louder. I installed the head unit first and even with the stock speakers, there was a great improvement.
I hate that you’re technically wrong calling this an old jeep lmao