I remember it like it was yesterday, ordering opened for the new wrangler unlimited with lots of unanswered questions. How much more will it weigh? Will people actually buy these? When’s a Rubicon coming out? Ultimately it paved the way for a new 4dr Jeep the Jeep Wrangler JK.
Commonly referred by enthusiast as the Jeep LJ, The Jeep Wrangler Unlimited or LJ is one of the most Sault after Jeeps ever made. The dimensions were simple, the wheel base was stretched 10″ and the rear was stretch 5″ over a swb Jeep Wrangler TJ. To achieve this Jeep built an entire new frame and rear half of the Jeep 85% was shared with the Jeep swb TJ. The end result was 13″ of extra cargo space and 2″ of increased rear leg room. The LJ also featured 1″ thick foam under the carpet for less road noise and a standard 30″ wheel tire group with a Rear Dana 44 axle with trac-lok (lsd). These additions allowed families to consider the Jeep Wrangler as a viable option for camping and exploring the back country. It also allowed the Jeep to be more comfortable and worthy of the interstate.
I found production numbers below, merely 20K more unlimited produced over the rare Jeep Scrambler. Will the Jeep wrangler LJ be rare like the Scrambler? Who knows only time will tell, for now they do enjoy a radical resale value and the Jeep Rubicon LJ sells for less than $10K less than original MSRP.
2006 Production numbers
SE = 7,943
X = 23,759
Sport = 10,736
Rubicon = 9,818
Unlimited = 14,624
Unlimited Rubicon = 6,742
Sport (right hand drive) = 2,245
Break down:
2004 – 11,822 Unlimited
2005 – 7,450 Unlimited
2005 – 5,854 Unlimited Rubicon
2006 – 14,624 Unlimited
2006 – 6,742 Unlimited Rubicon
Totals:
33,896 – Unlimited
12,596 – Unlimited Rubicon
46,492 – Total
sPOD Power Source install
So what is the sPOD?
The sPOD replaces a slew of wires and switches likely located all over the dash of your Jeep. The sPOD simplifies all your accessory installs and makes them neat, professional and safe!
I am not the best at reading instructions so I had to start with my coffee, now I am ready! I started by reading over the very well written instructions and they were in color very nice. I opened the box to find everything very well packed and separated. I like the fact that even one parts bag had everything separated to it didn’t get all mixed together.
There are a few options when ordering the sPOD. I opted for the low voltage cutoff which saves your battery in the event that something gets left on. Also I got the stickers to I could label the switches very important if your wife drives your Jeep and your 6yr old lights the pretty colors on the switches. I was also very impressed with the quality of the switches,wiring and fit and finish…nothing is done half ass.
Ok now on the the install. First I removed the front plastic header and removed the passenger visor/loosened the 3 right A pillar trim screws. Next I inserted the 4 clips that hold the switch panel in place. Next you assemble the switches to the metal frame that replaces the plastic header trim piece. Before you bolt it all together attach the wiring harness and route it through the passenger a pillar and the dash. So far very easy and anyone with hand tools can install one of these. Also note the slots for the visors, very nice attention to detail.
Ok now we drill a hole in the firewall just above where the passenger put their feet 1″ hole-saw. Install the grommet so the wires do not get cut and feed them through the firewall. Now the dirty part..it has to be dirty right? This all depends on how well you keep your engine clean…well lets say I should have cleaned it before hand!
Using a Phillips screwdriver disconnect the Source from the mounting plate. We now install the mount for the source very simple using a 15mm socket and some muscle take off the bolts which are ground bolts. This is important to reconnect them last as your Jeep may not function right if you skip this step! Reconnect the source and route the wires through the holes on the back side. This part had me worried as I am not keen on wiring! No big deal every thing is numbered so its easy to connect and if you have the LVCO connect the positive wire to that.In the photo you will see I did not do that but later corrected it. You will need to also need to connect the pos and neg to the battery.
Now you are ready for the easy part, installing your accessories! The sPOD comes with new connectors and shrink tube to make your install look professional. Once connected you simply loosen insert plug and tighten with a Phillips screwdriver pos & neg. No need for relays since they are pre-mounted on the Source. I decided to just hook up the front locker and I am replacing the front lights. My rock-lights were cheap Walmart’s so they failed after one year so I will need those too. Oh yeah and pretty much everything else you see missing off the switches I labeled!
Install Time:2hrs (I was documenting and could install another in 1 hr!)
Install Difficulty:Easy you will need a Philips Screw Driver,1″ Hole-saw/Drill and a 15mm socket/Ratchet
Ending Impression:I can’t believe its taken me this long to get the Spod! Installing all my future/current accessories will be a complete painless breeze!
I highly recommend the sPOD for all your power Source needs and stop kidding your self, switches all over your dash powering who knows what… SUCKS!
You can find the Spod at www.4x4spod.com or other online retailers.
sPOD Toll-Free: 661-755-8139 or www.4x4spod.com
