Do I have to stick with the stock size speaker in the rear, or can I go a little bigger if I ONLY want to use the stock placement. Can I fab a bigger size speaker in the stock spot or what?

 

you might be able to get a 6 1/2 in there with some trimming, there aint alot of room though

 

Will the 6 1/2 magnet fit? Have you done this?

 

x2,the problem with bigger is the depth,there is not alot of room between the back hatch and panel.

 

the PO of mine put 6 1/2 in the doors,did a real hack job,the lift gate is fiber glass so be real carefull.I am puting 5 1/4 in the rear gate and a set of 6x9s in the doors,just have to trimm some more.

 

So 5 1/4's will be ok, with no probs?

 

yeah the 5 1/4s in the rear will be fine,thats what comes stock

 

don't mean to hijack, but what size of speakers are in the rear ceiling enclosures?

 

this is what I used in the rear door. They are water resistant !! and sound awesome!!!!

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16882290056

and 1/2 the price of a store front on the above web site

 

I have 5 1/4" in the front doors, 6x9's in the rear hatch, And a 10' sub in the rear passenger pocket. I take out the fiberglass (or glastic) panel. took a router to it. to open up the speaker holes to fit the 6x9's. Mounted them vertically. And ran new speaker wire to the amp. Threw a layer of sound damping material inside hatch. Before I put it back together. Used all Rockford-Fosgate speakers. Looks like a factory install. And I'm never removing the stereo again. Plan on owning my XJ for a long time!

 

I actually have 6 1/2's in the rear gate. I mounted them on top of the rear panel and they fit and made the sound better.

 

I have 6.5" speakers in the front and rear on my 2000, just had to tweak a little. Sound much better than the stock 5.25's.