Well dropped the car off at the dealer today to get the actuator fixed and to have them install the full kicker upgrade for the GC...

77kick11 ( fronts )
77kick10 ( rears )
kicker amp upgrade
2x10 kicker powered sub box

will have pics and a review soon :D

Razor keep us updated because this is a mod that I would like to do during the winter months when all my summer performance mods are done. Your list is exactly what I was also looking to do.
Thanks

I want it too and ************.com has the set up on special right now.....you can configure it many ways too.

Don't our trucks come with a Boston Acoustics system? Which, in my knowledge, was supposed to be better?!

Or am I just confuzzled...

The Kicker system in my Charger sounds wayyy better than in the GC. I don't understand why they didn't use it in our rigs.

Really!?! Wow, this is pretty inexpensive too....I was going to do a whole sound system upgrade next year but might just do this instead.

update...car will be done monday...they have to wait on a new tcm for the car.

Tease...............:)

Razor ,how is the system?,How much was the entire deal installed?

2nd that... we want info!

The whole setup was around 1200 and the dealer quoted me $500.00 to install. Thats steep for the install but I dont have the time to do it myself and I dont want to have a generic shop install it and later on have strange problems with the nav system, etc. They should be done today they're just waiting on my new TCM since my old one malfunctioned and was throwing random 'service4d system' signals. I can't wait :D i'm tired of this town and country caravan

Eh- They dropped the ball on shipping and the TCM wasn't on the truck today but will be on the truck and installed tomorrow. I'm getting fed up with my dealership as the service I get from them is comparable to oil express. I told them the second time around the "service 4wd light popped on" that they need to check the TCM. Nope they replaced it again. Anyone know of a good dealer in the NW burbs of chicago that knows how to work on srt8's and has decent half brained customer service ??

we are still patiently waiting...........

Which dealer is doing this work?

I doubt it but is this the same upgrade that's avail for the 2008 system?

7. SRT HIGH PERFORMANCE AUDIO AND NAVIGATION GROUP (pricing TBA)
Includes:
11 Spkrs Kicker SRT High Perf Audio
200 Watt Kicker SRT Subwoofer
276 Watt Kicker SRT Amplifier

Alright got the car back in today - I guess it wasnt the TCM that fried out , it was the FDCM ( Front drive control module ) beats me to what happened to it. Anyway the system is :D 2xthumbs up. On a scale of system sound 1-10 and the stock being 3, I'd rate the mopar upgrade a solid 7. The surround sound is much better and it doesnt sound like its coming from the four corners of the car but from the center. The subs are nicely tucked in the back ( I think my installer bolted the box to the seat though as it doenst budge at all - which is good because I tend to drive aggresively ) Before with the stock system I would keep the volume down low because even on high it just didnt make me feel like jammin to the music, now i blare it out :D . Also the 2x10in subs are clean and have tight bass-enough to shake the **** out of the rear view mirror but not shake off the body panels. I'll post some pics up tomorrow.

I just received my kicker upgrade and am considering the install dealer v. aftermarket install - $500 for the dealer at x per hour, what's that on just the kicker install?

Alright got the car back in today - I guess it wasnt the TCM that fried out , it was the FDCM ( Front drive control module ) beats me to what happened to it. Anyway the system is :D 2xthumbs up. On a scale of system sound 1-10 and the stock being 3, I'd rate the mopar upgrade a solid 7. The surround sound is much better and it doesnt sound like its coming from the four corners of the car but from the center. The subs are nicely tucked in the back ( I think my installer bolted the box to the seat though as it doenst budge at all - which is good because I tend to drive aggresively ) Before with the stock system I would keep the volume down low because even on high it just didnt make me feel like jammin to the music, now i blare it out :D . Also the 2x10in subs are clean and have tight bass-enough to shake the **** out of the rear view mirror but not shake off the body panels. I'll post some pics up tomorrow.

Post up some pics!!

Here it is people...I love how the sub box perfectly blends in the back you barely lose any space

http://img252.imageshack.us/img252/1826/87127417js9.jpg

http://img169.imageshack.us/img169/5275/82295847nz8.jpg

http://img61.imageshack.us/img61/7315/53588250qb6.jpg

http://img62.imageshack.us/img62/4717/38337467km2.jpg

http://img186.imageshack.us/img186/5093/85560624jo2.jpg

http://img76.imageshack.us/img76/8895/37686996tw3.jpg

http://img252.imageshack.us/img252/5044/94474445dh6.jpg

http://img219.imageshack.us/img219/9177/79087050ij7.jpg

Looks great... is that the same Kicker option they're offering on the 2008's?

Can the subs be removed if you want to fold the rear seats because you need the whole cargo area?

Thanks!

Looks great... is that the same Kicker option they're offering on the 2008's?

Can the subs be removed if you want to fold the rear seats because you need the whole cargo area?

Thanks!

I dont think that'll be the exact same setup in the 08's. But i'm sure the system will be alot better than the 07's. Yea you can remove the sub because there are just two clips connecting it in the back to the wiring. Although the dealer/my installer seemed to have bolted it to the seat. Which at first I didnt want but now I dont mind because I dont feel like having the sub fly around everytime I go wot.

i would have used some type of "L" bracket on the floor that swings into place to hold them so that they CAN be easily removed if necessary.... Looks great but I will wait for the color matched khaki version for mine :-)

That looks great. I didn't know about that option. Thanks!

The subs look great; the way the fit in the back without taking up the entire truck make me wanna ditch my Pioneer subs and go with the Kicker. Great pics.

The sub does bolt to the floor in the area of the folding portions of the seat backs. This is to prevent it from flying around the cabin during spirited driving, or gosh forbid a sudden impact. This should have a wing nut at this point so you can easily remove the sub to make room for larger cargo or to completely remove it temporarily. We have put together a Kicker Upgrade Package deal on our site for the Grand Cherokee's, or you can purchase the components seperately. The link to the complete package deals is http://www.moparsupercenter.com/mopar-kicker-audio-stage-upgrade-kits-gcstg.html.

Ted,

Do you have the install instructions for the Jeep? I can handle most of it.. except how the AMP will tie in.

so that is the PDF i need :)

-- Sal

Here is the direct link to the amp PDF file.
http://www.moparsupercenter.com/pdfs/KICK18.pdf
Now this file does not state the Grand Cherokee, still trying to get the updated version with that in it.

Questions....

So there is the upgraded 8 channel amp AND another 400W amp for the dual 10s? I am assuming so but just dont see it stated anywhere. Also where do you mount the 400W amp?

Also, you mentioned a wing nut allowing for ease of removal. Is that all thats holding the dual 10s in place? I definetly need something that is easy to remove.

I dont think that'll be the exact same setup in the 08's. But i'm sure the system will be alot better than the 07's. Yea you can remove the sub because there are just two clips connecting it in the back to the wiring. Although the dealer/my installer seemed to have bolted it to the seat. Which at first I didnt want but now I dont mind because I dont feel like having the sub fly around everytime I go wot.
Razor, I had the upgrade installed last week and it sounds crappy most sound comming from dashboard speakers, I took it back to installer and they say that its all plug and play and they cant do anything about it... When I try to change the balance when I move all the way to the right there is no sound and the fade stays the same whereever I move it.. How does yours work? Thanks John

Razor, I had the upgrade installed last week and it sounds crappy most sound comming from dashboard speakers, I took it back to installer and they say that its all plug and play and they cant do anything about it... When I try to change the balance when I move all the way to the right there is no sound and the fade stays the same whereever I move it.. How does yours work? Thanks John

my fade works perfectly fine, I'm not sure on the balance-i'll have to check it again. Did you also get the upgraded amp to replace the factory amp??

my fade works perfectly fine, I'm not sure on the balance-i'll have to check it again. Did you also get the upgraded amp to replace the factory amp??Yes I did, do you have upgrade amp? John

Questions....

So there is the upgraded 8 channel amp AND another 400W amp for the dual 10s? I am assuming so but just dont see it stated anywhere. Also where do you mount the 400W amp?

Also, you mentioned a wing nut allowing for ease of removal. Is that all thats holding the dual 10s in place? I definetly need something that is easy to remove.
Yes, the 400 watt amp is additional, but it does not require additional mounting or anything like that. This amp is built into the sub box. Yes, the wing nut and electrical connectors that come apart are all that connect the box to the vehicle. This was intentionally made this way so you can easily remove the box for additional cargo space.

Razor, I had the upgrade installed last week and it sounds crappy most sound comming from dashboard speakers, I took it back to installer and they say that its all plug and play and they cant do anything about it... When I try to change the balance when I move all the way to the right there is no sound and the fade stays the same whereever I move it.. How does yours work? Thanks John
John,
This appears to be a common problem with installers not reading the directions on how to do the install. When they go to install the amp they disconnect the battery, common thing to do when working with these cars and any electrical device. However when replacing the amp you do not need to disconnect the battery. There is a simple procedure to get the amp to come out of default mode. Follow these steps and you should have Balance, fade, and tone control working properly in no time.

1. put the drivers side window in the down position.
2. turn the key to the off position.
3. get out of the car and close the drivers door.
4. wait 5 minutes and then reach in thru the window and turn the key to run. (do not start vehicle)
5. let sit for 2 minutes
6. reach in and turn key to off

This should reset the amp to search for the vehicles cabin ID from the CAN BUS system. Once the amp identify's this, all the controls should work perfectly. This procedure will not have to be done again in the future, as the amp stores the cabin ID.

Ted

Sorry but just a bit confused here.

If I were to purchase the single kicker sub, does it also have the built in amp? I am thinking about just adding this to the standard Boston Acoustics and seeing how it sounds or do you think it would be worjth while doing the complete upgrade?

[B[/B]I have an 08 JGC srt8, has the premium sound with nave and rear seat dvd etc. It does not have the "upgrade" with sub. It wasnt available. Has anyone switched from Boston Acoustics to Kicker. I am a bit confused , people talking about the surround sound etc with and without amps. LOL.
I was looking at the following parts (77kick10, 77kick11, 77kick18ab, 77kick23)
Is the swap out of the speakers necessary or will the BA handle it. I am sure it has an amp and subwoofer. but this would push it up. Technically should end up with 3 subs. So is the (77kick18ab) necessary or does the dual sub have its own amp.
If anyone has any suggestions etc, please let me know, before I go waste time and money. Asking the dealer here, i get more confused than when i started.

Thanks

[B[/B]I have an 08 JGC srt8, has the premium sound with nave and rear seat dvd etc. It does not have the "upgrade" with sub. It wasnt available. Has anyone switched from Boston Acoustics to Kicker. I am a bit confused , people talking about the surround sound etc with and without amps. LOL.
I was looking at the following parts (77kick10, 77kick11, 77kick18ab, 77kick23)
Is the swap out of the speakers necessary or will the BA handle it. I am sure it has an amp and subwoofer. but this would push it up. Technically should end up with 3 subs. So is the (77kick18ab) necessary or does the dual sub have its own amp.
If anyone has any suggestions etc, please let me know, before I go waste time and money. Asking the dealer here, i get more confused than when i started.

Thanks

I am in the middle of the upgrade. First I swapped the BA speakers for the kickers in the dash and front/rear doors. It sounded about the same. Did the amp next and the kicker speakers sound tons better. Without the additional power no need to swap the speakers. Currently considerably better than stock. Next will be the sub with the built in amps. Have not decided whether to do the 2 10's or just a single. Everything is very easy to install. The hardest part is removing the panels. You have to shave a little in the dash for the new coax speakers but easy to do with a sharp knife. The speakers and the amp are pretty cheap and well worth it especially since all the factory wiring plugs are retained. Good updrade to do.

The Dealership Offers this kicker upgrade on the car? and are those subwoofers 15" in the back?

I did the entire upgrade last weekend. I'm a novice and did it in 4 hours or so...taking my time. I have the dual sub box.

I do not like the surround feature. I think it may be better if you have the VES (vehicle entertainment system). It essentially creates a front soundstage with low frequency fill in. The rear door speakers are almost shut completely off and a "surround sound like" mode is created in the front. The subs stay on but at a slightly reduced volume. My wife's car has a Bose system with a stock dedicated center channel and this is much better at creating the "front sound stage" effect.

Overall I'm very pleased with the Kicker system. There is more than enough bass and the mids/highs are very clear. I run mine with the mid/highs control at like +8 and the bass at -6 to get a good blend. I give it about an 8 overall (I'd give the BA a 5.5 in comparison).

...Next will be the sub with the built in amps. Have not decided whether to do the 2 10's or just a single...
If you decide to go dual theres a great deal on one on the wkjeeps site.

Don't our trucks come with a Boston Acoustics system? Which, in my knowledge, was supposed to be better?!

Or am I just confuzzled...

yo mango... im trying to figure that out myself... the 06 models apparently as per wk and edmunds.com etc state that all 06+ srt8's come with the boston acoustics system as a standard feature... what i dont understand is the 06's do not have the Boston Acoustic emblem on the door panels but the 07's do... so i was always under the assumption that my 06 has a regular system... i guess after all i do have the boston acoustic?

can anyone explain this to me? i cant find an answer anywhere..

NEVERMIND... I FOUND THE ANSWER

all srt8 have the boston acoustic system standard... it wasnt until 2007 where they started to put the emblem onto the speaker panels... and than somewhere in 08 they stopped puttin them on again... they were all over the map with this one

I have an 09 GC SRT8 with the kicker upgrade and single sub. What do I need if I want to go to the Dual sub????

I read the amps are in the box itself, so would I just plug in the dual sub and it should work ???

Looks great!!! I am really surprised at how little space the subs take up....I was going to go with the single sub to save space but damn you don't loose hardly a hint of cargo space.

Thanks for posting pics.

I have an 09 GC SRT8 with the kicker upgrade and single sub. What do I need if I want to go to the Dual sub????

I read the amps are in the box itself, so would I just plug in the dual sub and it should work ???


The dual sub box wiring kit has two taps to tap into the front door speakers. The two runs go back to the sub box and connect to two leads there. If you order the dual box, you'll have to run the wires back from the front of the truck. I don't think you need to rerun the power wire though (which is the hardest part) so it should be a piece of cake. The dual sub box comes with the wiring harness and yes, the sub amp is inside the sub box.

The dual sub box wiring kit has two taps to tap into the front door speakers. The two runs go back to the sub box and connect to two leads there. If you order the dual box, you'll have to run the wires back from the front of the truck. I don't think you need to rerun the power wire though (which is the hardest part) so it should be a piece of cake. The dual sub box comes with the wiring harness and yes, the sub amp is inside the sub box.

If you want it to be 100% reliable, you WILL need to rerun the power wire. I have the dual sub kit in my jeep. The dual sub kit has two completely redundant power wires that run to the subs. Two fuse holders, two 10-guage wires, two of everything. You could try to get by with the same single power wire, but you're gonna have to do some wiring to get it to work. You are aware that there are actually two seperate amps for the dual sub system (one for each sub) right?

Not calling you out or anything, just trying to help...

TWO power wires are required for the dual sub setup. The single power wire will not support the dual sub power requirements.

Note that the factory system subwoofer audio signal is wired directly to the amp, and that the Mopar sub harnesses are designed to tap into the left front door speaker signal.

I have an 08 and I swapped out the BA for the Kicker. Everything is installed except for the dual subs. I changed my mind when i had everything installed, the told me the bass would be overwhelming for some songs, and I can see their point.
Now I am thinking of having it installed, I mean I bought it, its here, why not. What I am asking is if anyone has done this before I have the sound shop go deeper into it. Has anyone ever put in a bypass switch for the dual subs, where they can be switched on and off according to song. Yes I know i can adjust it by going through the menu. But I really dont want a lot of bass on a classic rock song, but then if you go to a lets say trance you may. I just wanted an easier "shut off". The sound shop I take it to is top knotch, but they always say, its a lot easier if its a base factory system to work on it, rather than the premium, since everything is usually tied in so something else. Your options are limited unless you are ready to spend $$$ for rewiring.
All I am looking for is if anyone has ever put a bypass switch to the subs. I am going to have it installed next week.
Thanks in advance.

... when i had everything installed, they told me the bass would be overwhelming for some songs, and I can see their point.
How would they know, and how could you agree with them when the subwoofer was not even hooked up? Kicker and Chrysler have done a wonderful job of balancing the signals for all of the speakers. Many many hours went into engineering the EQ settings. I love classic rock, and I have the dual subs, and I have never found the sub bass to be overbearing. I also listen to other types of music and rarely adjust the EQ settings on the MyGIG.


...The sound shop I take it to is top notch, but they always say, its a lot easier if it's a base factory system to work on it, rather than the premium, since everything is usually tied in to something else.
This really doesn't make any sense, especially in your case where you are simply adding a subwoofer to a system that is 100% designed for the said subwoofer.

I completely agree with Resume here. I've done the full kicker upgrade including all 6 speakers, the upgrade kicker amp, and the dual subs. Everything is designed to work with everything and it did.

I'm sure what your install shop is speaking of is when you try to upgrade individual components in a "premium audio" package. Say, for example, you wanted to use an aftermarket amp instead of the stock one to drive the speakers. This type of stuff can get pretty involved as you have to "bypass" the factory amp while simultaneously interfacing with the rest of the audio system. Fortunately, the aftermarket has really stepped up in this arena and almost every application you can think of has some sort of plug-n-play harness/adapter to accomodate your needs these day.

As far as overpowering bass, I can't speak to this with the MyGIG head unit. Since the day I bought my Jeep, it has always had the Pioneer AVIC-F90BT head unit in it. Because this doesn't interface with the stock EQ settings, it wasn't perfect the first time I fired it up. I will admit that it was a little bassy, but nothing the equalizer couldn't fix.

I would agree with ResumeSpeed as well on the point that this system has been engineered for your application. Remember, Chrysler has to make these audio systems appeal to the "majority of consumers", not the "minority", which in this case, I am calling the real "bass-heads" out there. This system isn't going to win any SPL competitions, but at the same time, it has hands-down the most base of any factory available audio option that I'm aware of. There is adjustability in the system to dial in what you wan.