After market Power Distribution Unit

[Mudderoy]

I bet someone has posted about this before, but I can't recall...

You may remember I have a over head switch panel

8354

Right now I just have 4 of the 10 switches connected.

2 of those switches are for the ARB air lockers that have yet to be installed, but that doesn't mean I can't run the wiring for the switches.

I need to add relays and fuses for several of the lines I'll be running. I was hoping for something that would consolidate the relays and/or the fuses into a box that I could screw to a firewall in the engine bay.

I've been poking around but I haven't found anything that fits the bill.

If you've added an after market power distribution box, please share here.

[prerunner1982]

Unfortunately FitchVA is not around the web anymore. He was an XJer that built a switch and relay/fuse box that I eventually plan to mimic and built something similar.

If you search FitchVA box you can find a few pics of his and others who copied his idea.

[Pookapotamus]

My internet on my phone is not working right now, but go to summit racing and type in 30004, it's a painless performance fuse block, might be what you are looking for tony


Having 4WD means getting stuck in more inaccessible places!

[drakan1908]

Unfortunately FitchVA is not around the web anymore. He was an XJer that built a switch and relay/fuse box that I eventually plan to mimic and built something similar.

If you search FitchVA box you can find a few pics of his and others who copied his idea.
Steve Fitch moved to Ga. about 3 yrs. ago, job related. I think he sold his XJ before he left. He was in our club......super nice guy.


I text a guy who might have it on his PC but wasn't sure. He said he would check and see. It is in PDF format and if he has it he will email it to me. Fingers crossed. [emoji3]
sent from a van down by the river

[Pyrokid4]

This is one that I planned on making. Looks factory but adds a lot of potential in the way of fuses/relays. Watch the video all the way through (comes out looking way better than I expected when I first watched)
https://youtu.be/aG37G9dBXv8

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[Pyrokid4]

Looking at some of the fitchva stuff that's up on naxj and other forums it looks like the box in the Bleepinjeep video I posted above is a mimic of that. Don't know if that was on purpose or just came by way of ideas being the same

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[4.3LXJ]

Personally, I think the best thing is to cruise the pick and pull until you find one you want and clip the wiring harness with enough wire you can work with it.

[bluedragon436]

Waterproof Fuse/Relay Box (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100009135738023&fref=ts) on FaceBook.. I ordered one from him to run in my XJ, and it is an awesome setup, and not a bad price either...

https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfa1/v/l/t1.0-9/10387622_1391069397874238_604547906710474141_n.jpg ?oh=e01047a403b7f5c49c1c66b29ecc27d5&oe=56948936

[Mudderoy]

Waterproof Fuse/Relay Box (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100009135738023&fref=ts) on FaceBook.. I ordered one from him to run in my XJ, and it is an awesome setup, and not a bad price either...

https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfa1/v/l/t1.0-9/10387622_1391069397874238_604547906710474141_n.jpg ?oh=e01047a403b7f5c49c1c66b29ecc27d5&oe=56948936

That's nice but at $130 it's not that nice, for me anyway ;)

[Pyrokid4]

Haha little bit of electrical work and some ingenuity and you can have your own for little to nothing haha

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[drakan1908]

Steve Fitch moved to Ga. about 3 yrs. ago, job related. I think he sold his XJ before he left. He was in our club......super nice guy.


I text a guy who might have it on his PC but wasn't sure. He said he would check and see. It is in PDF format and if he has it he will email it to me. Fingers crossed. [emoji3]
sent from a van down by the river
He called me this morning...no go he can't find the file. I will keep trying.

sent from a van down by the river

[Mudderoy]

Haha little bit of electrical work and some ingenuity and you can have your own for little to nothing haha

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I agree, in my search last night I saw a plastic sheet with a couple of 8 lug blocks and multiple relays bolted to the sheet. Nice color coded wiring to everything. They only wanted $300+ for those. :P

I'll just build my own. I started selecting parts from Amazon last night, then I realized I really need to sketch out what all I need to to control first.

[Pyrokid4]

I agree, in my search last night I saw a plastic sheet with a couple of 8 lug blocks and multiple relays bolted to the sheet. Nice color coded wiring to everything. They only wanted $300+ for those. [emoji14]

I'll just build my own. I started selecting parts from Amazon last night, then I realized I really need to sketch out what all I need to to control first.
Always go too big. Don't want to do all that then not have enough space on it later on. I was also thinking about putting a voltage readout on mine, just some ideas to play with

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[Mudderoy]

Always go too big. Don't want to do all that then not have enough space on it later on. I was also thinking about putting a voltage readout on mine, just some ideas to play with

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That's the problem though, I usually go big then think about it later. :patriot:

[Pyrokid4]

That's the problem though, I usually go big then think about it later. [emoji14]atriot:
Hahaha well think then go big, then think so more and improve haha. I want to design one that I can either sell or just give out the blueprint for guys like us to make them, that's if people like the idea enough haha

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[bluedragon436]

That's nice but at $130 it's not that nice, for me anyway ;)

Oh, trust me... Wasn't nice for me either... But I don't have the time/knowledge to hack and build a box like the one done on Bleepin Jeep, otherwise I certainly would have.... Worked great for me too, cause I was supporting a "local" guy... who just happens to also be military... so that is always a huge plus fro me... At least this support of "local commerce" paid off for me!!!

[bluedragon436]

Although with this PDC I purchased, or one that someone makes... I've seen mixed reviews on whether it is required to use a relay on a circuit that you are running from a switch to a LED setup... I've seen both yes and no... And am wondering if it is required or not?? I know it is a good idea (and I certainly plan too), but was wondering does it hurt anything if you do run a relay inline with a circuit for a LED setup??

[Mudderoy]

Although with this PDC I purchased, or one that someone makes... I've seen mixed reviews on whether it is required to use a relay on a circuit that you are running from a switch to a LED setup... I've seen both yes and no... And am wondering if it is required or not?? I know it is a good idea (and I certainly plan too), but was wondering does it hurt anything if you do run a relay inline with a circuit for a LED setup??

It depends. If the current required to "run" the device is greater than say 2 amps I like to run it through a relay.

The current required to run through the switch is low and you are not as likely to start a fire in the cab or burn yourself with the wires.

The relay handles the high current and it's in the engine compartment away from you.

LED light bars still pull lots of amps. A 44 inch 260 watt LED light bar pulls 9 amps. That's not a whole lot and you could run it through a switch, but that would make a nice smokey cabin if something went wrong when the wire heated up and melted the insulation.

[Pyrokid4]

It depends. If the current required to "run" the device is greater than say 2 amps I like to run it through a relay.

The current required to run through the switch is low and you are not as likely to start a fire in the cab or burn yourself with the wires.

The relay handles the high current and it's in the engine compartment away from you.

LED light bars still pull lots of amps. A 44 inch 260 watt LED light bar pulls 9 amps. That's not a whole lot and you could run it through a switch, but that would make a nice smokey cabin if something went wrong when the wire heated up and melted the insulation.
Agreed, and besides that, relays are designed to handle that power constantly more than a switch is. So you will have longer life with a relay than a switch. Same reason why all the factory high amperage applications in the car are ran through relays.

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[GoneWithTheWind]

I'm going to try and find a better deal on a few more of these. My favorite jeep yard wanted $80. each, I have to go back during the week when the regulars are working and talk to them about that price. I got these at another yard, they cost $80 for all and the guy let me grab a few extra relay switches.
http://jefff.org/albums/wiring/aaj.jpg

[Mudderoy]

I'm going to try and find a better deal on a few more of these. My favorite jeep yard wanted $80. each, I have to go back during the week when the regulars are working and talk to them about that price. I got these at another yard, they cost $80 for all and the guy let me grab a few extra relay switches.
http://jefff.org/albums/wiring/aaj.jpg

Wow $80, but I guess that's cheap if you need one.

[GoneWithTheWind]

Wow $80, but I guess that's cheap if you need one.

Some wrecking yards think their stuff is made of gold.
Anyway there is something about this that Bleepin Jeep doesn't mention.

[GoneWithTheWind]

When I'm done I'll have 7- 20 amp fused lines and 7 relays for under $100. A lot better than 4 relays for $130 eh?

[Mudderoy]

When I'm done I'll have 7- 20 amp fused lines and 7 relays for under $100. A lot better than 4 relays for $130 eh?

Yeah no way I'm paying $130 for something I think I can make for less than $50. Don't get me wrong if someone wants to buy something for $130 and it meets their needs great, but I just can't see doing it.

I was surprised the junk yard is getting $80 for those old used PDU but I've never priced them. Apparently that stuff is very expensive, but like I said if you need it I guess it's cheap, as in your Jeep won't run.

[Pyrokid4]

Yeah no way I'm paying $130 for something I think I can make for less than $50. Don't get me wrong if someone wants to buy something for $130 and it meets their needs great, but I just can't see doing it.

I was surprised the junk yard is getting $80 for those old used PDU but I've never priced them. Apparently that stuff is very expensive, but like I said if you need it I guess it's cheap, as in your Jeep won't run.
In one hand I feel like the dealer would charge outrageous prices but then again it's not much technology/work really going into it. But $80 does seem steep. I will pick one from my local yard and see how much it is

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[GoneWithTheWind]

What BleepinJeep doesn't say about these is that if you pull out the yellow strip between the maxi fuses, there are clips there as well. If you want to run a bigger fuse you can change the wires like the mini fuses.
One yard wanted $80 ea. the place I got mine wanted $45 ea but I got them 2 for $80.
These aren't the pictures I posted, but there should be clips where the yellow strips are.

[Pyrokid4]

What BleepinJeep doesn't say about these is that if you pull out the yellow strip between the maxi fuses, there are clips there as well. If you want to run a bigger fuse you can change the wires like the mini fuses.
One yard wanted $80 ea. the place I got mine wanted $45 ea but I got them 2 for $80.
These aren't the pictures I posted, but there should be clips where the yellow strips are.
He does mention that at the end of the video. It's right after he gets the relays installed then realizes that the plastic retainers aren't in. It's not super apparent or stressed but he does mention it

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[bluedragon436]

I'm going to try and find a better deal on a few more of these. My favorite jeep yard wanted $80. each, I have to go back during the week when the regulars are working and talk to them about that price. I got these at another yard, they cost $80 for all and the guy let me grab a few extra relay switches.
http://jefff.org/albums/wiring/aaj.jpg

That is pretty much what my yard wants too... That is the other reason I went with the pre built one for a bit more then I'd really like to have spent... otherwise I would have built one like Bleeping Jeep.... or at least attempted the build up anyways... Can't wait to get back to SC, where we have more then one JY and they don't charge outrageous prices, cause they know they are the only option, like I have now...

[Mudderoy]

What BleepinJeep doesn't say about these is that if you pull out the yellow strip between the maxi fuses, there are clips there as well. If you want to run a bigger fuse you can change the wires like the mini fuses.
One yard wanted $80 ea. the place I got mine wanted $45 ea but I got them 2 for $80.
These aren't the pictures I posted, but there should be clips where the yellow strips are.

The pictures disappeared, send me the link for the other picture(s) and I'll put them up.

[GoneWithTheWind]

That is pretty much what my yard wants too... That is the other reason I went with the pre built one for a bit more then I'd really like to have spent... otherwise I would have built one like Bleeping Jeep.... or at least attempted the build up anyways... Can't wait to get back to SC, where we have more then one JY and they don't charge outrageous prices, cause they know they are the only option, like I have now...

You did okay, we all have our budgets to work with. For the prices that are out there, I think you got a good deal.

[bluedragon436]

You did okay, we all have our budgets to work with. For the prices that are out there, I think you got a good deal.

That's kind of what I was thinking too... did a search for a bit and considered a few different options.. But this one seemed like the best bang for the buck as far as pre made options... And didn't hurt that the guy is less then 1.5hr away from me, and is a fellow military member, so works awesomely for that... Now just got to order up or build a switch panel, to run the wiring too, and run wires into the relay box.. got to get an adapter so I can run the factory fog light switch to the relay box for one of the lights, the rest will all be run to a switch panel of some sorts, not for sure what avenue I want to go with regards to that...

[GoneWithTheWind]

http://http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm37/herein97217xj/DSC00563_zpsxoyqnh4a.jpg (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/herein97217xj/media/DSC00563_zpsxoyqnh4a.jpg.html) http://http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm37/herein97217xj/DSC00554_zpso6pv7x89.jpg (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/herein97217xj/media/DSC00554_zpso6pv7x89.jpg.html) http://http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm37/herein97217xj/DSC00569_zps7ieurczb.jpg (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/herein97217xj/media/DSC00569_zps7ieurczb.jpg.html) http://http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm37/herein97217xj/DSC00571_zpsjyuebjz5.jpg (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/herein97217xj/media/DSC00571_zpsjyuebjz5.jpg.html) http://http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm37/herein97217xj/DSC00574_zpsrrvwwnno.jpg (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/herein97217xj/media/DSC00574_zpsrrvwwnno.jpg.html) I started out with 2 boxes w/brackets and extra relays for $40 each. That seems to be the going rate for them around here. http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm37/herein97217xj/DSC00549_zpsrmcb9x3s.jpg (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/herein97217xj/media/DSC00549_zpsrmcb9x3s.jpg.html)
I was careful taking the wires out and didn't break any clips. I took the wires out of the clips and soldered in mostly new wires so I could reuse the clips and not have to deal w/a lot of epoxy.http://http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm37/herein97217xj/DSC00562_zpshdxbhkys.jpg (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/herein97217xj/media/DSC00562_zpshdxbhkys.jpg.html) http://http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm37/herein97217xj/DSC00563_zpsxoyqnh4a.jpg (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/herein97217xj/media/DSC00563_zpsxoyqnh4a.jpg.html) http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm37/herein97217xj/DSC00567_zpsjxrl3wop.jpg (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/herein97217xj/media/DSC00567_zpsjxrl3wop.jpg.html) http://http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm37/herein97217xj/DSC00569_zps7ieurczb.jpg (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/herein97217xj/media/DSC00569_zps7ieurczb.jpg.html) http://http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm37/herein97217xj/DSC00571_zpsjyuebjz5.jpg (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/herein97217xj/media/DSC00571_zpsjyuebjz5.jpg.html)
I have 7 relays and I used 3 maxi fuses w/ 12, 10, and 8 ga wire on them.
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm37/herein97217xj/DSC00572_zpskxkmsuk0.jpg (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/herein97217xj/media/DSC00572_zpskxkmsuk0.jpg.html) http://http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm37/herein97217xj/DSC00574_zpsrrvwwnno.jpg (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/herein97217xj/media/DSC00574_zpsrrvwwnno.jpg.html)
At first I'll be using it for a viair unit through a 30 amp fuse, and fog/flood lights through the relays.:drinking:

[nickyg]

I'm going to try and find a better deal on a few more of these. My favorite jeep yard wanted $80. each, I have to go back during the week when the regulars are working and talk to them about that price. I got these at another yard, they cost $80 for all and the guy let me grab a few extra relay switches.
http://jefff.org/albums/wiring/aaj.jpg

I get em for $13 here. and I thought that was expensive.

[GoneWithTheWind]

A lot of the yards around here don't want to cut the wire harness, that's why they charge so much. I figured it was a cheap education and I learned a lot about relays. I think I like the older box better, but I might get a newer one and try cutting off the maxi part of it. I put up more pictures but they didn't post. Been having problems w/photobucket tonight.

[nickyg]

I followed Matt from bleepinjeep video. It was a first time for me too.http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/11/10/aab05a6d11c4aed473437cfb20560728.jpghttp://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/11/10/d0c2acfbea22ecf2e2f64cba54af68d6.jpg


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[GoneWithTheWind]

It looks like yours turned out okay. I've learned a lot from watching Matts videos, and I've learned a lot here as well. I'm going to try and post another picture.http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm37/herein97217xj/DSC00569_zps7ieurczb.jpg (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/herein97217xj/media/DSC00569_zps7ieurczb.jpg.html) http://http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm37/herein97217xj/DSC00563_zpsxoyqnh4a.jpg (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/herein97217xj/media/DSC00563_zpsxoyqnh4a.jpg.html) http://http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm37/herein97217xj/DSC00571_zpsjyuebjz5.jpg (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/herein97217xj/media/DSC00571_zpsjyuebjz5.jpg.html) http://http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm37/herein97217xj/DSC00574_zpsrrvwwnno.jpg (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/herein97217xj/media/DSC00574_zpsrrvwwnno.jpg.html)
Hopefully these pics will post up for me.
Not sure what's going on here, only 1 pic posted.

[GoneWithTheWind]

These are a few pics that I tried to post earlier,
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm37/herein97217xj/DSC00563_zpsxoyqnh4a.jpg (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/herein97217xj/media/DSC00563_zpsxoyqnh4a.jpg.html)
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm37/herein97217xj/DSC00571_zpsjyuebjz5.jpg (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/herein97217xj/media/DSC00571_zpsjyuebjz5.jpg.html)http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm37/herein97217xj/DSC00574_zpsrrvwwnno.jpg (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/herein97217xj/media/DSC00574_zpsrrvwwnno.jpg.html)

[Carves]

If you've added an after market power distribution box, please share here.

Tried utilising a second XJ box a while back ... got discouraged.


actually ... more pissed off than discouraged .. :D

http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n629/carves-oz/Vehicle%20Bits/Electrical/DualFusebox05.jpg


Didnt fit ... without putting a bonnet scoop over it .. :mad: So I gave this some thought .... A bank of relays alongside the factory box.

http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n629/carves-oz/Vehicle%20Bits/Electrical/RelayRack.jpg


... and then figgered that one day I'll just find a useful, smaller, fusebox, at a wreckers .... sighhhh .... one day .. :D


Currently ... the project,


http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n629/carves-oz/Vehicle%20Bits/Electrical/PDCPlay20b.jpg


... is lost in a cardboard box on a shelf somewhere .. :o




He called me this morning...no go he can't find the file. I will keep trying.


Thats a shame ... The old FitchVa site had some good stuff on it.

.