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Anyone that has installed an aftermarket radio did you need an antenna adapter? I went on Crutchfield site and it calls for only the Metra 95-5812 dash kit and Metra 70-5520 receiver wiring harness.
Also how easy/difficult is it to change out the OEM radio? Crutchfield offers a ready harness service that adapts the receiver wiring harness to a connector that's plug and play.
I just installed a Kenwood single din using the Metra dash kit, and harness adapter. Be careful removing the dash bezel, it’s easy to break the standoff’s, I didn’t use the dash kit spacers. My antenna plugged right in, no adaptor required. Make sure your radio is centered before tightening the screws. Easy install, take your time...
With the adapter harnsses and dash kits it's a pretty simple change. Have oyu ever done an aftermarket swap in any vehicle? Sometimes the difficulty depends on the options your truck has. Do yu have the factory sub? DVD player? What options does your truck have? You may need more harnesses depending on your options. Sometimes the dash kit needs spacers at the top to make the radio fit flush. Those should come with the kit and you'll just have to test fit to see if you need them or not.
I got my receiver installed today. I followed the video I posted above except my OE radio didn't have a subwoofer. Also the ears on the dash kit, Metra 95-5812, had to be removed (I used a hack saw) as it interfered with the installation.
I used dielectric grease on all the OE connectors that I had to pull apart to get the receiver out. I did solder each connection and used electrical shrink tube over the soldered connections.
In the video (at 6:30 mark) he mentions orange/white wire and orange wire that he connected. I did the same. I didn't have a parking brake wire as in the video.
After powering up the new receiver I found that I'm able to pick more FM stations that before. I'm going to replace the front door speakers (6"x8") in the near future.
Last edited by tradosaurus; 09-20-2018 at 08:49 PM.
Here is a picture of final install. Have about $110 total including receiver, dash kit, and wiring to install. Definitely recommend soldering and electrical shrink tube. I've had receivers installed by Best Buy and I don't think they solder the connections.
I had just cleaned the interior with Turtle ICE liquid wax since I have all vinyl interior. I evidently missed a few spots. Keep in mind that this truck has 196,000 miles on it and is classified as a farm truck. I think once I install the new seat covers by Clazzio the interior will look even better.
I also had tinting installed with 30% on driver/passenger door and 20% everywhere else (except front windshield of course) JVC receiver
Last edited by tradosaurus; 09-22-2018 at 11:00 AM.
Gald you got it done and like it! I really think it all depends on the person doing the install and their attention to detail. I have done many installs in many different vehicles and have had no connection isses without soldering and shrink tube. I'm not saying that either of those are a bad idea at all but if you're careful and good there shouldnt be any problems. Persoanlly I would steer clear of the dielectric grease on those connections mainly because during the warm summer months it's going to get warm and might drip on other stuff behind the dash. Also not a ton of moisture going in behind the dash. I've never had any rust or corrosion on radio connections.
09-16-2018, 09:21 AM
Installing aftermarket radio
