2012 new to the family!

[sir oaf]

Hey guys!

Just bought a new(well, ok.. not SO new.. 7 months old now) 2012 Pat 4x4, 5sp, FDI base model! I've had my eyes on the 'roits for some time now, and decided to get one. So far I love the lil' thing!
My last ride was a 03 wrangler X with 2" lift and 32's.. I do miss the lift and big tires, but I DON'T miss the gas miles, and.. well.. pretty much no space inside.

First thing I did was dump the horrible stock tires, and put on some 225/70/R16 wildcat xtx's.. SO much nicer.. Then I added an aftermarket sub, tweeters in the door pillars, and new 6x9's in the rear.

So I have a few questions I'd like to ask, and I have used the 'search' function, but I have specific questions that I can't seem to have fully answered..(or at least I can't snag the right search wording)

1. I plan on the RRO lift kit but I'm always worried about the warranty denial. However, I've already read that 'law' that forces them to PROVE the aftermarket part caused.... blaa blaa..blaa..
My questions is.. On patriots AFTER the lift kit.. what parts would be at risk for failure? Which items might be under 'stress' from the lift that might cause an issue with the warranty down the road if something came up?

2. I was thinking about getting an aftermarket alternator.(stock base one seems kinda weak). If I were to get one installed, could it cause warranty issues down the road? (aftermarket alternator causing electrical problems with the computers, etc..)

and lastly!
3. For the life of me.. i can NOT figure out this whole 'aftermarket radio' install deal.. and I'm referring to which wiring harness to use, etc.. I have the base model(RES radio) with no options whats so ever.. except cruse control which is nice. :P
Can I just use a simple wiring harness, or do I need a CANBUS harness, etc?? Even tho I don't have squat for accessories..(no steering controls, NAV, etc)

I'm sure I'll share pics, and aftermarket install goodies at a later date.. but for right now, those three questions I'm kinda hung up on!

Thanks!!

[dixiedawg]

Welcome!

They have a bigger alternator for the Patriot, they come standard on the FDII, should be an easy swap.

Radio and lift stuff, I'll have to leave to other folks to answer.

Thought I saw you are an amateur astronomer? I live in one of the few dark sky areas in the eastern US, not far from Cherry Springs State Park, a designated dark sky park.

[Proetus]

I can try to answer the radio question. On our 2011 we just picked up, has the same stock radio you have, no controls on steering wheel etc. I just ordered the following and am awaiting delivery! The wiring harness was 50% off with purchase of qualifying head unit. The dash kit and ant adapter was included for free. I also replaced all 4 stock speakers with Rockford Fosgate Prime R1693. Crutchfield says it all fits!


JVC KW-R800BT

C2R-CHY4

Dash Kit and Antennae Adapter

[sir oaf]

Originally Posted by Proetus

I can try to answer the radio question. On our 2011 we just picked up, has the same stock radio you have, no controls on steering wheel etc. I just ordered the following and am awaiting delivery! The wiring harness was 50% off with purchase of qualifying head unit.

The one problem I see is there seems to be more connections on that PAC then I remembered seeing last time I had the radio out.. Guess the best step is to just order it and figure it all out later. And.. if I end up not needing the PAC wiring harness, I can always return it.

[BondiBlue]

Welcome!

[Proetus]

A little more info since i received my Crutchfield package of goodness! The harness is actually 2 separate harness's. Need to choose which one works for your needs. It has a plug end that goes im assuming onto the "Jeep" end and bare wires which would need to be mated to the Head Unit. Shouldn't be terribly hard once i get down to it. Haven't really looked at either. I'm sure both wiring diagrams are available online. Worst case i call Crutchfield, they're a helpful bunch!

[Arthur]

Welc0mE!!!!!

[willsapples]

Welcome to the forum. I'm interested in a RRO lift but it means importing it over here. Be interesting to see the pros and cons.