Speaker Bar upgrade

[Oldude]

Any recommendations of rear speaker upgrade on my 1998 TJ ?

[4.3LXJ]

What kind of upgrade?

[NW99XJ]

There are several companies that make various solutions for this... I'm assuming you already have the sound bar (judging by the title of this thread) that attaches to the roll cage.... Any set of after market speakers would be an improvement over stock in this.
There area couple manufacturers that make aftermarket versions of the sound bar, that may or may not come with a built in amplifier, or in the case of this Rugged Ridge 6 Speaker Sound Bar (model# 13006.09 ) you get extra speakers. Something like this will run you about $200-$300.
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31rUamw0tJL._SY450_.jpg


Another option would be to go with some "pods"...these were pretty popular with the CJ and YJ owners, but Jeep changed the design of the tub and roll bar, so they could no longer support the addition of a great set of 6x9's in the dead space between the two in that area in front of the rear wheel tub.
The new ones have two options, a coaxial speaker version,
http://www.vdpusa.com/images/jeep/sound/sound-wedge/rear-sound-wedge-tj-deluxe-sound-wedge-lg.jpg

Or a true 2-way option. (the better way to go)
http://i692.photobucket.com/albums/vv283/BigJake87/P2170023.jpg

The only other option you have is not only not as secure, but also begs for someone to try and break into your jeep..... and thats to just place a set of carpeted boxes on top of the rear wheel wells.
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51ykJQvH1hL.jpg

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51d3M6aC7jL.jpg

They do make "universal fit" wedges, but I would definitely stay away from those.
These pictured here are specifically made to clear the roll bar and support bars for soft tops, and will accept a 6x9 speaker....
http://images.sc1.netdna-cdn.com/D/Jeep-6X9JEEP-detailed-image-1-01.jpg
These will run you anywhere from $30 to $60 for a pair, the cheaper being made from particle board, and not the more dense, durable, and better sounding MDF.
The only problem is to secure them, you need to screw them to the tub (screws going thru your body) or just leave them sitting there. Both are begging for a tweeker thief to slash your top or break in, and try to take them. The other disadvantage, is they take up elbow room for the passengers in the back, or at the very least take up valuable cargo space.

What ever way you decide to go, if it's more VOLUME you're after, you'll need to look into what it's going to take to amplify your system, if it's just MORE sound from an area you don't currently have anything, or if you're looking for just better sound QUALITY, then simply adding any of the above mentioned systems will give you what you're looking for, and can be amplified at a later time when you realize you need more volume when you have the top off.

Hope this helps!

[cpttuna]

I went the cheap route. On one trip to the JY, I picked up the wiring assembly that connects behind the panel in the rear passenger area that runs to the speaker bar. I also picked up 3 of the 4 speakers laying inside this particular XJ all for $10.00. I went home and fabricated a spot for them in the little cubby hole in the right rear of the jeep.

[NW99XJ]

I went the cheap route. On one trip to the JY, I picked up the wiring assembly that connects behind the panel in the rear passenger area that runs to the speaker bar. I also picked up 3 of the 4 speakers laying inside this particular XJ all for $10.00. I went home and fabricated a spot for them in the little cubby hole in the right rear of the jeep.

PICS!!!!

[cpttuna]

Pics will be difficult. the jeep is in Iliinois. Basically, I drew a template out of cardboard of the usable area in the right rear. I traced it onto 1/2" plywood. I cut circles for the speakers with a jigsaw used a couple screws to secure the plywood to the side of the jeep. Having the wiring harness made connecting it a snap. even though the speakers are close together, it added two speaker the jeep did not have before. If you remove the side plastic in the rear, you can easily see where the wiring harness attaches.

[cpttuna]

these mods were done to an XJ.

[nickyg]

you can always just set em on the dash for that extra classy look.

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e236/ramprat101/dash_zps883879ba.jpg