Digital Dash Retrofits for Older Jeep Models

Jeep has been building iconic vehicles for decades, and those older Jeep models are often still viable today – especially when it comes to off-roading. Those classics still carry the legacy of off-road capability that they helped to build, and with some aftermarket upgrades you can make them just as capable and worthy as a modern vehicle. One thing you’re almost certainly going to want to upgrade is the dashboard, as more than any other aspect of the vehicle these often feel stuck in the past.

 

But that’s where digital dash retrofits come into play, as they allow you to bring a hint of modern technology into your vintage vehicle. Real-time diagnostics, customizable displays, cleaner aesthetics, whatever it is you’re looking for you can find it in one of these retrofits. Today we’re going to dive into what’s possible when retrofitting a present-day digital dash into your older Jeep.

The state of the automotive industry has changed drastically over the past couple of decades, with all kinds of new technologies being introduced year after year. Connectivity is one of the biggest areas of growth we’ve seen, so it’s only natural to desire modern digital amenities even if you prefer older vehicles. Here are a few examples of reasons you might want to consider upgrading to a digital dash:

• Real-time data; you can monitor things like engine temperature, RPMs, voltage, fuel economy and more with pinpoint accuracy
• Diagnostic integration; many systems are capable of reading OBD-II data, helping you to catch issues before they become real problems
• Custom layouts; you can choose what you want to see and how you want to see it, from speedometers and trail maps to tire pressure and pitch & roll angles
• Modern aesthetics; while it’s the least important, many people desire the sleek digital look

If you’ve outfitted your custom Jeep with all kinds of other off-road upgrades, particularly electronics, then a digital dash is the perfect way to tie everything together and get the most out of your throwback SUV.

As with any major automotive upgrade, there are some things you’re going to want to consider before pulling the trigger. For example, the most obvious thing to consider before an upgrade of this magnitude is your budget. Depending on the age of your vehicle and the complexity of the kit you’re looking to install, you could spend just $600 or upwards of a few thousand! Here are some other considerations:

• Sensor compatibility; older Jeep models may lack the sensors necessary to feed data to a digital dash, which means installing additional aftermarket upgrades
• Electrical upgrades; a clean power supply is essential, so you may need to fully replace your wiring if it’s brittle or hacked together
• Mounting & aesthetics; some dashes fit right into old factory clusters, while others require custom panels or fabrication
• Compatibility; not every digital dash kit will fit every older Jeep model, so it’s important to check for compatibility and make sure to find a retrofit that will work for your specific vehicle

If you own a Wrangler TJ – which is the vehicle’s second generation, running from 1997 to 2006 – you’ll be spoiled for choice, as it’s the most popular platform for digital upgrades. It has plenty of aftermarket support and the factory cluster is easy to remove. But other models are certainly retrofittable as well.

Interested in learning more, or finding out if your model is capable of being upgraded? Get in touch with us to talk about your vehicle and what it is you’re looking for, as we’d be happy to help you bring your vision to life.