ibd2328

iTrader: (2)

GATORB8's sticky about audio basics (for newer models) answers alot of generalized questions. So, I thought it could be useful to do the same for the 97-03 model years.

This is only for 97-2003 F-150's. It has no relevance or correlation to the newer model f150's (04 +).

Q1: What stock systems were available?
There were various head units available from 97-03. Most of the units vary with year and package(xl, xlt, etc). Here is a list;

1: Radio (97-98)- Only AM/FM,
2: Standard Tape(97-98) - AM/FM / Cassette tape
* 97-08 Lariat had optional 6 disc changer with outboard amp
3. Standard CD =AM/FM + Single CD
4. Premium- Premium w/CD6
*Note*: some models offered a AM/FM + cassette player up front with an optional, 5 disc changer located in the back of the cab.

Here are some pictures of the OEM's




Additional options and changes with respect to package and year.
Late 2001 changes through 2003;
RADIO — AM/FM stereo cassette
AM/FM premium stereo w/single CD
6-Disc CD changer available on SuperCab with 60/40 split bench sea
Rear Seat Entertainment System optional on XLT and Lariat SuperCrew

2003 F-150
-Audio system choices now include a cassette/CD player (standard on Lariat) and an in-dash six-CD changer (standard on King Ranch)
-SuperCrew has an available rear-seat entertainment package option, with VHS player and video game outlets.

2002 Harley
Optinal- Six disc CD changer
2003 Harley
newly standard six-disc in-dash CD changer


Q2: What is my head unit size?
Double Din size, all years.
Both single and double-din head units can fit. The single din units require no trimming. However, trimming may or may not, have to be done in-order to fit a double din aftermarket unit.

Q3: What kit/hardware do I need to install an *aftermarket stereo* ?
Single Din
97-98
http://www.crutchfield.com/p_003FMK5...t.html?tp=3121


99-03
http://www.crutchfield.com/p_003FMK5...t.html?tp=3121


Double Din
http://www.qualitymobilevideo.com/95-5818.aspx


Here's a single din kit installed for reference.

Double din kit


Q4: I don't want to cut my factory wiring. What harness will I need in order to put an aftermarket unit in?
This will vary on the year of your truck.
97-98 with and without auto set:
Metra 70-1770
http://www.crutchfield.com/p_1207050...s.html?tp=2977


99-03 will use this harness:
Metra 70-1771
http://www.crutchfield.com/p_1207017...s.html?tp=2977




Q5: What is the wiring schmatics and color coding?
***Do not get discouraged, it is much simpler than it looks***

The color codes(for metra plugs) are the same for all 97-03 models. Only the plug arrangement is different.
Wire Color----Function
Red------------+12 Volt Accessory
Yellow---------+12 Volt Constant
Black-----------Chassis Ground
Black/White ----Signal Ground (connect with ground wire)
Orange---------Illumination
Orange/Black----Dimmer
White-----------Left Front Speaker +
White/Black-----Left Front Speaker -
Gray------------Right Front Speaker +
Gray/Black------Right Front Speaker -
Green-----------Left Rear Speaker +
Green/Black -----Left Rear Speaker -
Violet -----------Right Rear Speaker +
Violet/Black------Right Rear Speaker -



Q6: I want to replace my speakers, what are the aftermarket replacement speaker sizes I can use?
6"x8" fit all models and years.
6 1/2" and 5 1/4" Coaxials or Components will fit with readily available adapter plates. However, tweeters will need to be custom mounted on the dash, door sails, or pillars. (requires holes).

Q6: Are there any products I can use so I do not have to cut my factory speaker wiring?
Yes, these adapters allow "plug and play" with no splicing required.
http://www.crutchfield.com/p_1207105...Harnesses.html

Q7: What options do I have for a sub enclosure?
Of course you can always build your own, but here are some pre-fabbed boxes from reliable manufacturers.

97-03 Reg. Cab
http://www.supercrewsound.com/97F150StdBtsDual.html
Supercrews 01-03
http://caraudiofactory.com/20012003-...crew-p-56.html
http://www.supercrewsound.com/01F150screwBTSdual.html
97-99 Supercab
http://www.supercrewsound.com/97f150ecdual.html
2000-03 Supercab
http://www.supercrewsound.com/00F150ECdual.html


Alternatives;
Kick panel enclosure
http://www.crutchfield.com/p_044C201...ay.html?tp=130



My info was limited on the 97-98 Lariats, so let me know if you can add more

SynisteR6

nice writeup!

MyFX4Project

Awesome write up. I will definitely refer to this when updating my interior. For right now im still working on the exterior.

ibd2328

iTrader: (2)

Thanks guys. If you all have anything extra to add, let me know.

Warspite

Excellent job - diligent and accurate. Should be moved to the How To section, since this comes up so often. BTW, I have a '98 Lariat, WITH the external amp (the stock head unit will have the auto set button in the upper right). I upgraded to a single DIN JVC unit, using the external stock amp via the low level RCA jacks on the new head unit. Note, even though an external amp, it's not as powerful as one might think. Therefore, if you DO have a Lariat with the external amp, and intend to keep it when you upgrade, select a head unit with RCA jacks for the Front AND rear (some have a subwoofer output only), and low level output no less than 2.5V (4.0 on some units would be better).

If your head unit does NOT have RCA jacks, and can only use the speaker outputs, then you'll need a Scosche OEA-4 interface adapter (Crutchfield carries these as part # 142C4FDK6B). Or, of course, you can bypass the stock amp, and go directly to the speaker wires.

ibd2328

iTrader: (2)

Thanks Warspite. I will post it in the "How to's" and add you info to it. I am not very familair with the 97-98 models, especially the Lariat's, so thank you for the info.

Warspite

'97-'98 models are often orphans. Even more so with the Lariat.

97f150garza

This would've been useful when I installed mine a few months ago lol

ibd2328

iTrader: (2)

Haha it's an older thread. I just wanted to repost it since its usually a heavy topic for our model years

Warspite

One item that comes up from time to time is the dislike some folks have for that "slot" that comes with the single-din adapters for the dash. Pictured is the one I've installed on my '98 Lariat, which had the factory external amp. The panel is on the top, which allowed for the wiring to be wire-tied onto the dash bracket that most cut for the double-din install.
You get the added benefit of mounting switches, aux plugs, or anything you want in the panel - even if nothing at all!