Hi. I am going to be replacing the stock head unit in my jeep soon. It has the bone stock radio with cd player. No infinity. I also don't have steering wheel controls.
Question is, what do I need to purchase for the install besides a wire harnes and install kit? The people at best buy say I need a special interface box that cost $100. Is this true? Thanks

 

Not sure if that's true but everywhere that I have asked has told me the same thing... They say its a computer interface box that makes the jeep think the factory radio is still plugged in.

 

I've always dealt with Crutchfield, Best Buy is hit or miss with people who really know what their talking about.

 

Stick with crutchfield! I cant say that enough! But yes you need a can bus interface adapter from pac electronics or similar to connect the aftermarket head unit. If you buy stereo from crutchfield they give this to you at half cost!

 

I highly recommend Crutchfield, their website is very user friendly and they have really great help/support. I did a full head unit, amp and speaker install in my '03 explorer and with the directions and parts supplied with the purchase it was incredibly easy! The vehicle specific instructions crutchfield provides are fantastic and easy to follow! Plus crutchfield cuts prices on the odd's and ends you need for an install if you purchase everything from them.

 

I got an alpine head unit from sonicelectronix and got the generic harness and wired the Aux wire to the cigerette lighter. Been a year and no problems.

 

I also got an Alpine aftermarket HU and didn't need any special box or connector.

 

Yeah. Kind if making me think that the interface box is B. S.

 

Its not BS, but not necessarily need either. Instead of giving you a lengthy diatribe on it, suffice to say that it is a good idea to use due to the canbus system the JKs have. You'll see the least advantage of the interface, but there are still reasons to have it. One it makes everything very simple and if you install a head unit with certain capabilities (video, cameras, etc.), there's much less hunting/wiring to do. You also don't have to worry about the canbus acting up.

I used it when I did mine and I had the exact same base system. As someone else said, Crutchfield gives you 1/2 off the interface if you get it with a head unit purchase. They're definitely the best place to get it. Best Buy hires people with little to no practical experience and trains them in their way. I would never recommend them for sales info, assistance or installs. Either do it yourself (Crutchfied) or find a good, decent audio shop to do it for you.

 

Some vehicles need the radio replacement bypass unit. Manufactures are making it harder for aftermarket stereo upgrades, they are having the stock stereo control functions of vehicle, door chimes, security, air bags, maintenance reminders... The RRBU covers that. The jeep can get away with a 20$ harness and you'll have to run one additional wire, that's all.