Jeep Gladiator Subwoofer Upgrade Options (Bazooka's?)

[CS Safety]

I've seen a variety of posts and threads online about the topic of subwoofers for the Gladiator. I recently bought my own 2020 Gladiator (Overland), and being a music (bass) enthusiast, fully intend on upgrading the lower end of my sound system. I've seen aftermarket subwoofer boxes, but I'm really not a fan of what I've seen. (Mainly because I know I could build better quality). I've seen aftermarket slim powered subwoofers. I 've found a few that will fit and probably do the job. Ultimately, I have always been a fan of Bazooka Tube products. ( I had a pair of 8" Bazookas in the back of my Wrangler and they hit hard). I'm playing around with the notion of installing a pair of 6" tubes under the backseat. For whatever reason, I haven't found anyone who has tried that option. Is there anyone on here that might have any insight on this?

Sponsored

 

[Alabama Mud Machine]

With the top on and the windows down, the factory Alpine sub hits nice and sounds perfect (not too much, just a nice solid "thump" when it kicks. But with the Freedom Panels off and the top off, I've noticed the bass to be a bit "lack-luster" at best. Very "airy" sounding...It needs more ASS behind it. Soon as I get paid on Friday, I'm considering buying a toolbox for the bed of the JTR, so I can stop using the under-seat storage for tools, and can consider adding some real subs back there.

 

[desertfox73]

I've seen a variety of posts and threads online about the topic of subwoofers for the Gladiator. I recently bought my own 2020 Gladiator (Overland), and being a music (bass) enthusiast, fully intend on upgrading the lower end of my sound system. I've seen aftermarket subwoofer boxes, but I'm really not a fan of what I've seen. (Mainly because I know I could build better quality). I've seen aftermarket slim powered subwoofers. I 've found a few that will fit and probably do the job. Ultimately, I have always been a fan of Bazooka Tube products. ( I had a pair of 8" Bazookas in the back of my Wrangler and they hit hard). I'm playing around with the notion of installing a pair of 6" tubes under the backseat. For whatever reason, I haven't found anyone who has tried that option. Is there anyone on here that might have any insight on this?

I have given serious thought to removing the rear center armrest and replacing it with a sub/enclosure.

 

[@californiajeeping]

I have a pretty good sounding system that looks really good. Can't tell it's there with the seat down!

 

[Alabama Mud Machine]

Who made the box? Are those 8's or 10's? Mounting depth?

 

[@californiajeeping]

Fox acoustics. It is a single 10" but it's ported and on 1kw it's pretty loud. I may run a 3" voicecoil subwoofer and up to 3000w.... eventually.

 

[Puttyandnapalm]

I went with a kicker 8” in a box. Didn’t want to move jack kit, and it matched my old amp at 500w rms at 2 ohms. Made up a little cubby with mdf.

I love the improvement. I’m sure others have done better, but I was shocked how well thy 8” square hit.
It does protrude a tiny bit, but hasn’t bothered me.

 

[sass JT]

Dammz... I thought bazooka died by now. They are definitely a niche product but in a application like our JT’s, if they fit under the rear seat, they would definitely pound with the small interior.
Ps.... being a bass enthusiast/ worked in The 12 volt industry for 10+ years, I’ve never liked the sound of the bazooka lineup... personal preference.

 

[CS Safety]

Dammz... I thought bazooka died by now. They are definitely a niche product but in a application like our JT’s, if they fit under the rear seat, they would definitely pound with the small interior.
Ps.... being a bass enthusiast/ worked in The 12 volt industry for 10+ years, I’ve never liked the sound of the bazooka lineup... personal preference.

 

[CS Safety]

I've used Bazookas in multiple vehicles, along with a wide assortment of other subwoofers, (8", 10", 12", 15", I've done it). Back in the early 90's I knew Dave Profit, the inventor of the Bazooka, and he helped me out with a couple of plans. He lived in the area at the time. Unfortunately, I have no idea of his whereabouts now, I lost track of him 20 years ago. I'm sure his help on this would have been interesting. I'm only considering Bazookas now as a shortcut on the space issue. The alternative is getting down and dirty with a custom box. But at my age, I don't feel the need to impress anyone with that anymore (LOL)

 

[CS Safety]

I was able to answer part of this question myself. A friend had a 6" bazooka available. It easily set underneath the back seat without having to remove or manipulate the factory installed underseat surround or jack. Measurements confirmed that 2 of them will fit with an inch to spare at both ends and over the top. 6' will fit, I doubt 8" bazookas will. My next step will be to get a proper Pac converter installed. This should be a fairly easy installation after all. I already possess two Rockford fosgate amps. None of this warrants any pictures yet. But I will post some pictures after installation and let everyone know how they sound.

 

[CS Safety]

Sorry , it took me a while to get this done. Two six inch bazookas installed with a signal sensing JL 250. Everything fit perfectly. I had to remove the jack to have a pace to put the amp, but it sits in a swing tool box now, not a big deal. The two 6" round out the sound system very nicely. And obviously, when the seat is down, everything is hidden and still looks stock. Mission accomplished.

 

[wiredup60]

Sorry , it took me a while to get this done. Two six inch bazookas installed with a signal sensing JL 250. Everything fit perfectly. I had to remove the jack to have a pace to put the amp, but it sits in a swing tool box now, not a big deal. The two 6" round out the sound system very nicely. And obviously, when the seat is down, everything is hidden and still looks stock. Mission accomplished.

Nice Set up! Do you still like it? How easy was the install?

 

[CS Safety]

There are a few posts on here that talk about properly tying into the audio/Uconnect system. Nothing is ever easy these days. The JL audio amp I chose actually converts signal within the amp, so I was able to tie into the input at the factory subwoofer behind the back seat with no issues whatsoever. Just a pair of 6" doesn't add window shattering bass, I was well aware of that. But the smaller interior size of the Gladiator assists the reverb of these bazookas and they became a very nice addition. Short answer is, "yes",.. I'm enjoying the add on very much.

 

[Wzabrouski]

looking at the Kicker HS10 under the passenger seat.

Sponsored