I have seen numerous posts on adding amps / subs / replacing factory speakers but I haven't seen anyone talk about the electrical supply side of the equation. The last stereo system upgrade I did was in my old Mazda B2200 pickup. Added one rockford fosgate 4 channel amp, two 8" midrange woofers in truck style rear seat enclosures, and changed out the factory speakers to boston acoustics. Everything was fine until I turned the volume up. Then, the amp cut out. Took me awhile to source the problem, but turned out the factory alternator was just plain junk, so I changed it out to something a little beefier and everything was fine.

So now I am making plans for the JK. I received my new Polk db speakers yesterday (db650 series) for the fronts and soundbar and the amp is on its way (JL audio a4300 A series 4-channel). I also plan on getting two Polk db series 12" subs to fit in a custom sub box I am working on and a JL Audio a1400 mono amp to power them (this amp still under consideration may swap to something else).

Only other mods I have on the jeep electrically speaking currently are a Cobra CB and I am planning lights and a winch in the future.

But for the stereo setup only, is the stock alternator and battery going to work for me, or do I need to consider upgrades there?

Thanks.

 

I am running an old school kicker amp that is an amperage hog. At 14.4v it pumps around 750rms running one p3 12". I have never noticed my lights dimming or anything on my 07 stock electrics.

 

There are a few options IMO you can get a battery or you could get a smaller pulley put on the factory altenator or you could get a capacitor for you amp. I would just go with a yellow top like suggested before and a capacitor for some extra insurance.

 

Yellow top bat. Is worth it for anyone running accesor. Taht means lights amps video mon winch etc. Get the yellow top optima bat. You can mount it in the stock loc. Get it from cosco it is cheaper there than most other places. I think i paid 189.00 for mine.

 

Ill be honest... my lights dim like a big dog. I am just running a fairly small kenwood 2 channel to my 10 inch kicker cvx. I have an old school Orion amp that pushes 900 watts rms I am just about finished restoring so something is going to need to be done before I throw that bad boy in... Guess ill go the battery route but dam they are expensive.. might try a capacitor first. I think I could put a bigger alternator in for the price of those dam batterys lol

 

that orion eats amps like corey haim eats pills. I love old orion amps. I had a big ass red one in the 90's I payed like 1000 bux for. (got stolen) i think it was model 550? I dont remember it was 12+ years ago. I want to see it when you get it in! Don't ever sell it. unless you want to sell it to me for cheap.

 

Haha not a chance im getting rid of this one blue but it seems to me like you and i have been chiming in on these sound systems for a while... Nice to find someone else that is experienced. If you lived closer i owuld say we should get together for a sound off... your twelve first my ten lol if you are ever on the east coast let me know.. we can meet up... Ill be the one you hear from a mile away lol

 

So just get rid of the stock battery then huh? Cause I am planning on the same thing - and a yellow top is sounding good to me. Where can you take the old battery to get rid of it? Thanks! Good discussion - -

 

you need to turn in a battery to get a new one with out getting a core charge usually 8.00.

my recommendation would be to get an old batery from someone, junk yard or whatever and turn it in where you buy your new one. keep you jeep battery it is alright as a spare or a posible dual set up. The jeep battery is 600 CCA a bit low. the yellow top i think is 700 CCA, but it is a deep cycle battery much better design and it is specifically for running access you will feel the difference in starting and running off road lights amps etc.

 

Mm good call. Good thinking about getting another battery - Thanks man, much appreciated!