jim65wagon
Well-known member
Now that's a cool idea! I like it.
C.Shontz 2001 Jeep Cherokee (Progress)
- Thread starter cshontz
- Start date
vonguido
Adventurer
Around the time my engine went bad, I gathered some parts for a head-unit delete - something I stumbled upon on Reddit.
The idea is, yank the head-unit from the dash and replace it with a small, four-channel amp and a marine Bluetooth dongle with RCA outputs. So my iPhone, with my music library and Pandora becomes my entertainment via Bluetooth.
Since the head-unit is being removed, I can now replace the face with a switch panel, and a RAM ball which I can use to mount the iPhone or a GPS. I probably spent less than $100 for all the components, and I'm excited to put it all together.
I'm looking at doing something similiar , do you have a link to what you found on reddit?
cshontz
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iluv83vettes
Adventurer
That's awesome. Would the bluetooth dongle work with most amps? I have two under the rear seat. One for the speakers and one for the sub.
cshontz
Supporting Sponsor
Well, I'm not exactly working on the dash - yet. Those are just some parts I've gathered that are sitting in my living room. The Jeep is out getting repaired, though. I expect they'll be starting work any day now.
Ended up sending the Cherokee to a local Jeep specialist, Jeff Daniel's Jeep Customizing. Their assessment, and estimate, wasn't much different than that of my local mechanic. This is the price you have to pay for wanting it done right without having to pick up a wrench, I suppose. Regardless, they're going to replace the engine with a new one that includes a decent warranty.
I'm really happy with where I sent it. Jeff Daniels are enthusiasts, they work on Jeeps day-in-and-day-out, and they're exactly the type of people I trust to perform major surgery. They say it'll be ready in a couple weeks, so I hope to be back on the trail by mid-May.
Some pics from around their parking lot...
cshontz
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Supposedly, the dongle will work with any amp or head unit with an RCA input. I popped it out of the box to take a look. There's nothing to it. Just a dongle with an RCA output and power/ground pigtails. So you should be able to Bluetoothify practically anything.
Root Moose
Expedition Leader
Are you doing any upgrades to the engine while it is out?
cshontz
Supporting Sponsor
Nah. Very briefly entertained a stroker, but dismissed the idea.
cshontz
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Cut the sheet of ABS plastic and mocked-up my new dashboard panel. The switches are going to be recessed, but otherwise, this is what I hope it'll look like when it's finished. The switch bezels accommodate ARB-style Carling switches, which I hope to install someday, but the planets have to do some aligning first.
Alright, they're mounted. First impression after years of running 10-ply BFG AT's is that these feel smoother, and distinctly softer. I don't think my reaction was, "omg - This is different!", but I feel considerably less of the road surface. Bumps are still bumps. I think I was secretly hoping for a more significant difference in harshness, but there is definitely a difference, and therefore I am happy.
As the tire rolls, it feels perfectly round, as if there is no tread at all. They are also well-balanced, and vibrations and wobbles are all but eliminated. If anything, this is just indicative of how bad (worn) my BFG's really were. Noise on the highway is an extremely quiet hum -- at least in their unworn, brand new state. It is minimally audible inside the vehicle with the windows closed and no music.
Hello Mr. Shontz & the rest of the Expedition crew. This is my first post; thank you for having me.
I had a couple of questions about the Duratracs on your XJ:
The 245/75R16's that you're running have an OD of ~30.5" and weigh 40 lbs each. What size tire did you previously run? If these are indeed taller and heavier tires, did you notice any practical slowdown while accelerating? How about on the highway? Any notable drop in fuel economy?
Do you have a lift? Any rubbing in this size?
I'll be putting fresh rubber on my XJ soon. I have 265/75R16 Duratrac's on my YJ (31.7" OD; 45 lbs/each), but want to stay closer to stock for my daily-driven / mostly-urban&highway XJ. Cheers!
cshontz
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I previously ran the BFGoodrich All-Terrain in the same size. There is a reduction in perceived power and fuel economy but not so much that it is impractical. I find the Jeep strains on long ascents at highway speed, and could definitely benefit from a gear reduction in the differentials to improve the car's power band.
The Jeep is lifted approximately 2" and the tires do rub on front suspension compression and when turning at full stop. Bump stop extensions in the front and adjusted steering stops remedy this. The rear tires do not rub.
Hope that answers some of your questions!
