Wonder what the difference is between your “fly by night”, Big Box Store or backyard friend performing installs and coming to an independently owned car audio store? This is a perfect example. Please keep following the path of “oh nos” we’ve endured the last week. This is not an everyday occurrence; however, it’s ofte
n enough that we are often hired to fix problems such as these and worse when others attempt them.
Our customer has a 2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited with a factory subwoofer. This is a beautiful Jeep in which he’s spared no expense. He enjoys good sound though and wanted more low end and better quality. We ordered the JL Audio Stealthbox for the Jeep and as usual thought nothing of it. We often install stealthboxes into our customers’ vehicles and they have always been a great product. This was a normal job until we attempted to install it.
When we removed the factory subwoofer and put the stealtbox in its place we noticed things were not matching up properly. We’ve installed this stealthbox into other Wrangler Unlimiteds but from earlier years. This particular stealthbox is categorized for the 2007 and up Unlimited with or without factory subwoofer so we weren’t expecting issues.
We eventually realized that replacing the factory subwoofer with the stealthbox left some areas exposed that weren’t before. Oh boy. A flurry of phone calls commenced and eventually decided to order the panel that would have been in the passenger side rear if there had not been a factory subwoofer; sounds reasonable.
Well, Murphy and his law are all over this one. The factory panel replacement arrives and fits, almost. The rear passenger side roll bar is where the seat belt retractor is mounted. This housing for the retractor is chunky and white; obvious against a black interior. The new panel covers the inside half of the roll bar and retractor but not the outside facing half. We tried matching up the original, outside facing half of this section, which is about the size of a small Nerf football, to the replacement panel and no match. We try to figure out a way to “make” it match and that wasn’t a good idea.
Another flurry of phone calls commences. Thank goodness to Lee and Randy at Chris Leith Dodge for helping. Randy even went to a Jeep dealership to track down another Jeep Unlimited on the lot without the factory subwoofer to get its 
VIN and the stamp code on the inside of the piece we were missing so that he could order what isn’t really an inventory part one orders. You have to have the VIN and the stamp code to even verify you have the right part.
You think that would be it. Not even close. We get all that figured out and attempt to mount the subwoofer and realize the mounting hardware and where it is located on the enclosure does not match up to where it should on the Jeep. Chris knowing this is a 2012 decides to look at the picture of this enclosure installed in the same type Jeep on JL Audio’s website and realizes the 2012 is different. Something JL Audio wasn’t aware of.
This wasn’t even an issue of the Jeep having a factory subwoofer which is what we originally thought. We assumed that was the problem since it is listed as the appropriate enclosure for 2007 and up and that perhaps the problem was that JL themselves hadn’t researched the Jeep with the factory subwoofer thoroughly to verify it was a match. The problem is that the 2012 does not match; factory subwoofer or not.
Being a professional installation store, it does actually match. I don’t have a clue what they did to “make” it work, but it does and it sounds fantastic.
What you should consider is how would Worst Buy, Bionic Electronics or Billy, your neighbor handle this situation? I can assure you this job would have ended up here, where it should have been to begin with. These kinds of unexpected and unpredictable issues happen often. It’s your gamble.
It’s a great sounding enclosure and looks good. For the 2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited though, some “matchmaking” has to be done to “make” it a great sounding enclosure that fits until JL Audio redesigns it themselves. In the meantime, we’ll keep on keepin’ on.
Update 5/1/2012-Since the release of this blog entry we have received several calls about this 2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited and the stealthbox install. To help all you future “head scratchers” who choose this enclosure for your Jeep
not knowing the problems you’re going to have I decided to list the part numbers you’ll need. There are 2 you will need if you have the factory subwoofer. If you do not have the factory subwoofer you still need to make modifications that with patience will be worth your time.
First, is the new panel the stealthbox will mount to that fits along the passenger side. That number is 1PU12DX9AG OR1PU13DX9AH. The second is the bezel that covers the outside facing half of the seatbelt retractor; part number 1PU18DX9AD. For the quarter panel I listed two numbers, however, I believe the AG number is correct for the passenger side quarter panel. That is what my service rep ordered for us but he states he ordered it specifying the passenger side. Another customer ordered the AH number but specified which side of the vehicle and his worked as well. One is for the passenger and one for the driver’s side but the service department computer may not clarify that. So make note of both AG and AH numbers and specify the passenger side and your service rep should be able to get
you the correct part.
We have a business customer discount with our local dealership so I don’t know the list price. I would guess the list price to be $100 – 130 for both parts. There is still some modifications you will need to make since not all the mounting hardware “lines up” with the new panel. You will probably be able to figure that out. If not, call us. CAR Audio & Security, 919-562-0800. You can also refer to a comment by “Clay” an incredibly nice fellow and JL-o-phile from Virgina who did a great job describing the mods. I have now updated the blog with some of Clay’s pictures of his own install. He took a lot of pictures as he went along which we did not. Thank you Clay!
If you are wondering if this is worth the trouble; yes. Besides, we had to suffer through the pains of endless phone calls back and forth with JL and the dealership to figure this out. The least you can do is still order the stealthbox. Also, I have no stake in JL Audio as a company so I don’t say all that to earn anything. I simply stand behind them and their product. Although this was an aggravating experience, it’s still the best option for adding great bass and not taking up any of that space. Here’s hoping JL won’t take too long to update the enclosure for the 2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited so one day all this hassle will only be a funny anecdote. Since you’re reading this, you are a follower of ours or quality sound. Because of that I will say, thank you and enjoy the sound as much as the ride.
2nd Update 3/12/12-We just had another customer with a 2012 want the JL stealthbox. Unfortunately although JL is aware of the not so perfect fit for the 2012 they are still advertising the stealthbox on their website as 2007 up and as I ordered it myself from JL just today no one mentioned it’s not a perfect fit. Oh well. At least we know what to do.
crhoades
It’s wordpress. Thanks.
Clay Masur
Big thanks to your blog helping me install a “2011” JL Stealth Box in my 2012 JK. You saved me a lot of time and lessons learned.
Chris, I cut out (made a really big notch) in the 1PU13DX9AH RH lower trim panel so the Stealthbox could fit snuggly in it against the fender and tail light box. I spent a lot of time measuring and re-measuring to get it right. It was a little complicated to eliminate guessing but worth the effort. Now that I know what cuts to make its actually an easy modification and could use a little hindsight tweaking. Your advice about the spacing issue was spot on. I expected it and used my hole saw to make 3 large washers out if HDPE 1/4″ plastic sheet. That spaced out the front mount bolt 3/4″. Sturdy and clean looking. Since I had also cut out the trim panels front support, when I modified it to make room for the sub, I made a small metal black painted angle bracket to replace it and attached it to the same bolt. That gives the trim bezel roll bar area the stability it needs. I have minimal grille clearance but I do have clearance.
IT ALL LOOKS GREAT. It is fair to say it looks like factory finish. I could not be more pleased with the look and your tips. The storage compartment / stash box / tire jack doors have about 1/4″ of even clearance and operate normally. Perfect. Even the factory Jeep mat works. I just had to make a small notch in the front of it. I did listen to our conversation carefully so rest assured I used liberal amounts of Dynamat to prevent opening it back up in the future. Note that JL’s fender flare removal does not match a 2012 either. That was yet another learning curve. 🙂 Its great I could use this JL sub even though it is not designed for a 2012.
I really like that product. Its high quality and it fits the jeep ideally without wasting space. Whatever I can do to return the install advice favor let me know. I have plenty of photos. Even saved the piece I cut out from the trim panel.
I will report back on my sound test (Dynamat techniques) in a few weeks when I get the speakers and head end in and can try the sub. I have a few more weekends to go. This is slow going for a guy that can’t find a company like yours close by.
Clay
Haymarket, VA
crhoades
Clay,
Thanks for updating! As installers our perspective for the written explanation can be a bit brief and presumptive and we really appreciate you sharing your experience. This is so great and why we started the blog. Chris would love for you to post pictures or if it would be easier email them to us. Our email is teamcaraudio@hotmail.com. If you ever need any more advice on anything 12 volt, do not hesitate to call. We appreciate your feedback very much.
Funny note. We had a customer walk in Friday. He is a returning customer but one we haven’t seen in 3 or 4 years. He basically said he wanted to replace anything. I asked what kind of vehicle and as Chris was walking up to the counter the customer said, “Jeep Wrangler Unlimited”. I grinned really big and asked, “It wouldn’t by any chance be a 2012 would it?” He said yes and Chris and I grinned at each other and chuckled.
I think the 2012 Jeep Unlimited and CAR Audio & Security are now linked forever. Again, thank you so much for the feedback!
Doug
the part numbers you have listed above are incorrect, I ordered those numbers and received the left sided panels. The factory sub is on the right side.
crhoades
Don’t know how that could be. We’ve ordered the same parts now 3 times and comments made previously by another blog reader confirms they were correct and a big help. Maybe the wrong part was sent? Try matching the stamped number on the inside of the part to what I posted on the blog.
Doug
Well I certainly could be wrong, but I ordered the above two numbers: 1PU13DX9-AH and 1PU18DX9-AD and received the left side panels
A number of Jeep forums give the part number as 1PU12DX9-AD, but I can’t seem to find reference to the other part that goes around the seat belt/cage on the outer side
A google search came up with the site http://www.factorychryslerparts.com that does note the 1PU12DX9-AD to be the right side panel.
Unfortunately searching the other parts doesn’t specify which side.
If I have my installer do everything but the panels, will it be difficult to go back and later install the panels? I understand they will likely require some modification. Would I be correct in presuming I’d likely have to unbolt the box to put the panels in?
Doug
I wanted to thank yourself and Chris for helping me out. I also really appreciate the new pictures. Hopefully I’ll get my install done at some point. Part of my desire to proceed with this was from the info you have supplied. I didn’t realize how much trouble it can be to order a part! Too bad I live much further to the north (North Dakota) otherwise I would have rather been a customer of yours!
Corey
I just purchased the JL Audio Stealthbox and am (was???) planning on installing it myself. I knew about the trim pieces since JL now mentions on their site that you need them, so I have already ordered those also. I didn’t realize there were also spacing issues and it sounds like a bracket has to be made.
Can this be elaborated on a bit? I have a couple weeks before I attempt the install and want to make sure I have all the parts lined up and ready so I am not running back and forth to the hardware store.
Thanks!
crhoades
Corey, we did get your message on the blog. Thanks for being so understanding about time. I look forward to seeing your pics.
pooneej
why not just do a real custom enclosure in this vehicle? thats what a custom car audio shop would do , no ?the rear cargo area in the Wranglers have a storage compartment where they were planning to put a 10\\” sub. would have been completely stealth and wouldnt take up any room like that stealthbox does. Only thing is, you lose that storage compartment and it was about as much as the stealthbox so I opted to just do a normal enclosure which takes up space until I can afford to do something custom.
crhoades
Not sure which compartment you mean. If you mean the rear passenger side where Jeep is already including a subwoofer, it’s small and all plastic, which is why the factory sub doesn’t sound all that good. If you mean underneath the flooring in the cargo area, yeah you could do it but JL has already done it but for along the side. The subwoofer in this enclosure is a 13″ flat sub which retails for $579, meaning the custom enclosure they make for you out of fiberglass, covered in carpet, perfectly tuned and warrantees the sub for 2 years and already we know it sounds fantastic costs only $300. If this custom shop were to build that enclosure it would cost $400-$500 giving the subwoofer a 1 year warranty. Basically, the custom job is already done and it is for the most part out of the way and really doesn’t take too much space. Certainly under the floor is good too, it’s just another option. This particular install is a little more complicated than most but the problem didn’t arise until the later models. It’s still a great product and most people we talk to still want the JL stealthbox instead of using the under floor space.
william
according to jeep, 1PU12DX9AG is the passenger side and it costs 5the 1PU18DX9AD is
Monica
Can the sub casing be used on a 2015 JKU? I opted to pass the factory sub installed in the middle of the cargo area. I came across these sub cases and was wondering if i happened to find one, would it work in the 2015? If so, how can i find one that doesn’t come with the Alpine sub? They’re so hard to find.
crhoades
We have not attempted this enclosure on the any version of the 2015. Two other things have also become rather popular. JL Audio has come out with another stealthbox since our blog that will fit 07 and up Jeep Wranglers. Here’s a link. You can get one or two of these. http://www.jlaudio.com/car-audio-stealthbox-jeep-wrangler-unlimited-07-up
Another popular option has been another JL enclosure. We build legs on the face of it so it can then be placed facing down. Then you don’t lose any floor space and sounds really good. Here’s the link. http://www.jlaudio.com/cp208lg-w3v3-car-audio-microsub-subwoofer-systems-93295