The iconic TJ Wrangler is loved by many. It is turn-key ready for adventure! The best part about it is its ability to go topless. Going topless, however, brings in a few negatives. Those of us who own the beloved TJ have admitted “stereo and security” defeat the day we brought it home. A hard top and full doors help provide security, but at a very steep cost and a big pain to remove and store when not in use.  If you fear the idea of leaving anything of value in your Jeep like I did, consider Tuffy’s TJ Speaker Full Security Console to help solve the security issues that most TJ owners are faced with.

This tough little console is made of 16-gauge steel to deter any thief from getting away with your valuables. It has plenty of storage for the personal items we all keep with us in our Jeep. Plus, it has the added feature of a speaker compartment allowing you to mount an 8” subwoofer within the console. Now you can jam out to your favorite tunes with good sound at freeway speeds while also gaining a level of trust to leave expensive items in your jeep while you run into the store.

Installation is very simple and takes merely an hour and a half or so with basic tools. Tuffy has done very well with their install instructions. There are many variations of TJ/LJ center consoles but Tuffy has covered every single one within these instructions. If you find yourself with a question, reread the last section you completed, and you are sure to find your answer. If you continue having questions, Tuffy’s support team is awesome. Here are just a few things that I noticed and recommend doing upon installing.

1) REMOVE A SEAT! The instructions say you can install with both seats left in but trust me, it will end up saving you time and a headache if you just take one out. It’s only four bolts and 5 minutes. I chose to do the passenger side, but I don’t think it would make a big difference. There is just not enough room with both seats in!

2) When you go to install the front shift lever console, install either the supplied front tray or your seatbelt switch with the two front screws. Screw in as much as you can without making the tray or switch tight. These two screws end up just below the bottom edge of your dash and can be a pain to tighten when obstructed.

3) If you have a tub that has the two rearmost holes, try to reuse the factory bolts. They are a finer thread, therefore, more contact that the self-tapping screws to resist pulling out. Same goes for the one bolt just to the right of the transmission shifter. I was able to reuse all three of these factory bolts instead of the self-tapping screws.

4) Holes 1 and 4 in the instructions are said to be drilled out to 3/8”. I was able to drill only to 5/16 and it all worked out. If you drill the smaller size, there is not much room for error, but you will have a smaller hole in your tub. If you need the little bit of play, drill to the recommended 3/8’.

5) When the supplied instructions state to check underneath before drilling, do so. Three of the four holes for me were completely clear, but I ran into the e-brake bracket on the forward passenger side hole. After debating what I should do, I found that I had enough room to fit a nut between the body and bracket. For the bolt, it was actually the same size and length of the ones used inside the console. I had to remove the e-brake bracket to install, but everything fit right back where it should with zero issues. Photos show where the bolt/nut are.

6) Lastly, please keep in mind that this console is supposed to REUSE your subwoofer insert from the factory console. If you do not have a factory sub console, you will need to locate an insert or fabricate your own box as I have.

Who knew Jeep security could be so easy to install? This console is stout. There is zero movement in this console and it doesn’t even rattle with an eight-inch sub pounding away under there. The cup holders are plenty big and the added two in the rear are a huge bonus. I switched from a full console and still managed to fit all of my stuff inside the Tuffy console, so there is a fair bit of storage even with the subwoofer.

All in all, I am very pleased! It is comfortable, very secure, the finish is great, and it looks great in the Wrangler without attracting attention. The peace of mind is such a big relief as well. I would highly recommend every Wrangler owner get one of these center consoles. It should be on the top of everyone’s list!