Quote:
Originally Posted by blackandchrome
Great post. I have an 08 with amfm serius and single cd, if I want to swap for a double din unit, after I pull the original out is it as easy as plugging the new unit in and reinstalling it? I'm thinking about buying the kenwood one and if its an easy install I would rather do it myself. Do I have to buy a new wiring harness? Thanks
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There are two things you need to do a head unit swap from stock to aftermarket.
The first is what is called a dash kit, which is a plastic "adapter" to let the universal mount of the aftermarket hu attach to Ford's model specific mounting. The 04-08 F150 Metra dash kit is 95-5812 (if you went with a single din, you'd want 99-5807). The kit will come with instructions, and once you remove the stock head installation is fairly simple.
The second is called a "harness," and isn't mandatory, but it makes things significantly easier and allows you to easily switch back to your stock head unit. The aftermarket deck will come with it's own connector with pigtails (these are normally interchangeable with similar models from the same brand). In order to integrate the new decks pigtail, you'll need to attach it wire by wire to a factory integration harness, I listed the Metra model numbers in the first post. Some units, like DVD player, will need to be connected to other wires as well to get signals for your parking brake. You can accomplish the same thing without the integration harness, but you will have to permanently cut off your factory connectors and do all the wire connection up in the dash. You can either use crimp connectors or solder the wires together, make sure you secure and insulate with electrical tape or heat shrink whichever way you go. Using crimp connectors and following the instructions, you should be able to connect the harness and complete installation in around an hour your first time.
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