Travis Mudrich

I always loved the lower dash panel that the older Cherokees and Comanches had with the vent below the steering wheel. I have a 1996 XJ Country that I am restoring into a Briarwood. Here's how I did it.


Here's the Commanche vented lower dash next to my 96 XJ one. They are very similar with only a few differences changed throught the years. You can see the mount for the parking brake release from the MJ.


Here are the reinforcement/accessory plates compared. My XJ one is larger, thicker, and luss rusted compared to the MJ one.


Here's the cutout I made for the vent.

After it was sanded, I applied self etching primer.

This is the size comparison to what the factory rivets were, and the size i drilled the parts out to.

Here it is installed.

I also have the vent hose, but it's not yet installed as I dont know exactly how it was mounted from the factory (if anyone has pictures or those parts for sale, that would be appreciated) I also have factory dash speakers for it, but dont have the the mounting hardware as there are no screw holes, just slots. I tried to research it online but couldn't find a pictures of how they mount either.

Travis Mudrich

Also, I didn't take pictures, but the plate that is riveted to the dash panel that the ashtray assembly locks into, is thicker in the older models, but identical. I reused my Cherokee one though. Even though it is thinner, is was in far better condition. I also reused the Cherokee ashtray assembly as the Comanche one was faded compared to the dash. Just figured it let everyone know incase if they are thinking about doing this too, the older ashtray brackets are better.

4.3L XJ

Nice work

Travis Mudrich

If anyone has or can take photos of where and how the lower dash vent hose attaches to the HVAC, that would be extremely helpful. Obviously, my vehicle was not equipped from the factory with it and I'm wondering how Chrystler manufactured it. It's either formed into the other plastics, or it's a part that I can easily replace. Just looking for some insight.

Travis Mudrich

Thanks! I love to hear feedback from the community!

Jim Malcolm

Lower Dash Panel Vent connection to Dash. (Duct behind Clock Panel)

Dash Speaker mounting



The Dash has a duct running down behind where there the Clock is mounted to the right of the Gauge Cluster with what appears to be a a molded-in nipple to connect the hose to. I did not remove the hose to verify.

The screw securing the Dash Speaker actually threads into the square receptacle next to the slot...

Travis Mudrich

Thank you so much! I figured the speakers were screwed straight into the plastic cutting their own grooves, but didn't want to stray from stock.

As for the vent hose, I don't think that will be too hard to replicate. I may use a hole saw and make an adapter plate that bolts over it to to accept the hose.

Thanks again for the feedback!!!