This post is about a complete stereo upgrade to a 2019 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. I replaced the upgraded UConnect Alpine 8.4 system speakers and Alpine subwoofer to something substantially superior. Read on to learn about this $2,500 to $3,500 Jeep JL Stereo Upgrade...
I have a 2019 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon with the upgraded 8.4 Alpine stereo and alpine speakers/subwoofer. While this Alpine was a huge improvement over the stock Jeep Wrangler stereo, it still wasn't exactly what I was looking for. This was especially true when I had the sky one-touch top open, the Alpine sub and speakers had a hard time overpowering the wind noise from having the roof off of the Jeep.
So, I set about looking at my options to replace the Jeep Wrangler Alpine stereo and Alpine subwoofer. I quickly discovered the JL Audio Stealthbox for 2018-Up Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. The model number is:
SB-J-JL4DDRV This is actually a pretty difficult speaker to research because of the confusion of "JL Audio" and a Model "JL Jeep". Note that JL audio is by far one of the absolute best manufacturers of speakers, and it can get a bit tricky googling them for a JL Jeep unlimited.
Here is a picture of an Alpine Subwoofer and Jeep Alpine Speaker Enclosure removed from a 2018/2019 JL Wrangler Unlimited:
First off, a few points:
- The SB-J-JL4DDRV JL Stealthbox subwoofer is NOT compatible with the 2 door Jeep Wrangler, it is only compatible with the JL Unlimited Wrangers from model years 2018 and up. I have a 2019 and it fit perfectly.
- Second, this subwoofer, powered by the proper amplifier, will blow the doors of the Jeep (see what I did there..) Seriously though, the upgrade of the JL Stealthbox over an Alpine subwoofer is astounding. It can handle way more volume, it can hit faster highs and deeper lows, it is incredible for what they packed into the footprint. Further, it actually takes up LESS room than the factory-installed Alpine subwoofer in your JL Jeep.
- It is NOT plug and play. You'll need to install an amplifier and run wires to the Stealthbox subwoofer itself.
Let's get into the JL subwoofer install and swap for the Alpine Subwoofer in my Rubicon.... But, a word of caution, the model listed above is actually for the driver side wheel well installation, it does not replace the factory installed Alpine subwoofer. I decided I didn't want to do that, and instead installed the JL Stealthbox in the original location of the factory subwoofer in my Alpine upgraded JL Wrangler. In other words, I only wanted one speaker, and I wanted to replace the existing Alpine that was there. Unfortunately, several high-end installers said that replacing just the sub itself would not accomplish my sound goals (deeper bass and louder bass), and they all recommended getting a completely new enclosure too; so the stealthbox made a lot of sense.
Photo of a JL Audio Stealthbox installed in place of an Alpine Subwoofer in a 2019 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Unlimited
As such, I decided to do a complete swap and replace of the subwoofer and plastic surrounding it. This became a bit more complicated, but I am very happy with the results. Instead, of a driver's-side JL Stealthbox, I used the passenger side JL Stealthbox for my JL unlimited jeep. This unit's model number is:
SB-J-JL4DPAS Note: they make 2ohm and 4ohm units of the passenger and driver side JL Jeep JL Stealthbox subwoofers.
In order to replace the factory Alpine subwoofer, you need to order some replacement parts from Mopar/Jeep in order to make the back look stock again. You see, the Alpine subwoofer and enclosure actually takes up most of the passenger side rear cargo area in the Jeep JL. So, when you pull it out, you'll need several trim pieces to replace it with when you put the JL Stealthbox in place. Here are the same (or similar parts) to what I needed to buy from Mopar when I replaced the Alpine subwoofer enclosure:
- (x1) 6LU84TX7AD
- (x1) 6BM34TX7AA
- (x1) 6QJ13TX7AA
- (x1) 6BP30TX7AD
- (x1) 6BM28TX7AC
- (x1) 6BM29TX7AC
- (x30) 6510407AB <--- these are the clips that go on the back of the panels, we used all new ones to ensure there were no unwanted rattles
Now, you'll need to be careful when you buy each of the above items. If you have the rear back-up sensors or lane assistance, you might find a similar model to each part that includes an extra adapter or plug here-or-there. That being said, all of the parts are available from your dealer or online (Mopar) and they are all black no matter what color jeep you have. As far as I know 2018 and 2019 Jeeps are the same parts. I have a 2019, but I ordered parts for a 2018 Jeep Wrangler.
With the above parts, an
Alpine PDX-V9 Amplifier and some other parts, I successfully replaced the Alpine subwoofer in the JL Jeep Wrangler Unlimited with a JL Audio Stealthbox. The sound is absolutely incredible, and I have zero regrets.
But, if you are going to do the work of installing all of that, you might as well upgrade the rest, right?!
I also swapped out all of the rest of the speakers on my JL Jeep with Focal high-end speakers, and they sounds awesome too!
So, here is the rest of the inventory:
(x1)
Alpine PDX-VP 5-Channel 900W Amp with wiring kit - installed under passenger seat
(x1)
Focal Access 100AC 2-way speakers in the soundbar
(x1)
Focal ES 100K 4" 2-way components for the front w. crossover
(x1)
PAC AmpPro Optical Interface
I had this complete stereo installed by a high-end installer, and inclusive of taxes; it came to $3,500. I was able to sell the factory Wrangler Alpine subwoofer, enclosure, and old speakers for $400 easily on Facebook Marketplace. So, for about $3K, this was not a cheap upgrade, but it was an incredible one. I think, with some shopping, and doing the work yourself, you could do this whole thing under $2,500 if you sell your old equipment.
The sound quality is outstanding, and the volume is able to hold up to the roof being down and the doors being off of my JL Jeep Wrangler. Further, the quality of the voice and vocals are incredible, and it doesn't just sound like noise, it sounds like music. If you can swing this stereo upgrade on your Wrangler JL, you will not regret it. I kept the factory head unit, and aside from the subwoofer enclosure, which still looks very much like the OEM Mopar/Alpine original, everything else looks completely stock.
Alpine Subwoofer for JL Jeeps terms for search engines:
- Replacing Alpine Subwoofer in Jeep Wrangler
- Replacing Alpine Speakers in JL Jeep
- Swapping JL Stealthbox in JL Jeep
- Stereo Upgrade in Jeep Wrangler JL
- Speaker Replacement in Jeep Wrangler JL
- Photos of JL Stealthbox in Jeep Wrangler Unlimited JL
- Replacement OEM parts when removing Alpine Subwoofer from JL
I think the road quality of the stock Rubicon 33" BFG KO2 is slightly better, and just a tad quieter, but I attribute that to the fact that the Ridge Grapplers are both bigger and much wider than the stock Rubicon 33"s. The Ridge Grapplers have a much better aggressive appearance and handle slightly better offroad; while still maintaining a decent ride quality.
