Aftermarket Stereo Question...

[mconstable]

Just curious how hard it is to replace the stock unit with an aftermarket one... I need an iPod jack.

How hard is this?

Thanks!

 

[mberry]

I don't think it's that difficult. I haven't done it myself but I watched a friend do it a couple of weeks ago in his '06.

 

[phloop]

Dodge sells an adaptor for the ipod so that you can keep your stock radio if you want to go that route.

 

[WKruger]

If you go w/ an aftermarket, you'll need to buy a harness that ties in w/ the one on the head unit. They're around $90, and it's because the ECM relays info through the factory unit. With that, an adpater to fit the opening. Replacing takes about an hour.

 

[WKruger]

Forgot, you'll also need to buy an adapter for the radio antenna.

 

[LRutigliano]

Moonstable,



You can use your Ipod with the stock radio if you use an FM transmitter. It works on radio frequencies you don't normally use. These devices "transmit music to any FM stereo radio from any portable device with a headphone output. Plugs into your lighter socket"



Go to Newegg.com - Computer Parts, PC Components, Laptop Computers, Digital Cameras and more! and search on "FM transmitter" or just go to your local BiMart, Fred Meyer or other local supermarket or computer store.



Mine was $34. 99 at BiMart for a GE digital one.



I've had good success with these on 1000 mile road trips.



Regards,

Louis

 

[JFaulkner]

If you go w/ an aftermarket, you'll need to buy a harness that ties in w/ the one on the head unit. They're around $90, and it's because the ECM relays info through the factory unit. With that, an adpater to fit the opening. Replacing takes about an hour.

Not on his '03 the wire harness is only about $10. 00 + $8 for the antenna adapter and the install kit is around $15. 00.

Metra part #'s are
Harness 70-6502
Antenna 40-CR10
Kit 99-6503

You can use the FM transmitter as LRutigliano stated however they don't always work very well. I'm not sure what the adapter from Dodge costs or if it even works for trucks older than '06 (different radios) but you can get a pretty good Pioneer (or other brand) for less than $150. 00 and the adapter that allows the headunit to control and charge the Ipod, (meaning you can plug it in and forget it) all functions are done at the radio. Not to mention the sound quality improvement above stock.

For example you can get the Pioneer DEH-P2900MP for around $100 if you shop around and the Ipod adapter CD-IB100II for around $50. 00.

 

[WKruger]

06 was when they changed the radio?

 

[phloop]

By the way, the adaptor I mentioned was for the pre 06's. I looked into it when I had my 04. 5. If I can find the brochure I will see if it has a PN.

 

[JFaulkner]

06 was when they changed the radio?

Yes, '06+ takes a different wire harness, dash kit (they changed the interior in 06)

 

[JohnCooper]

I bought my head unit from Crutchfield (I buy all my car stereo gear from them). When you buy from them, the installation kit (wire harnesses, adapters, face plate adapters and instructions specific to your vehicle are included in the price).

 

[JFaulkner]

I bought my head unit from Crutchfield (I buy all my car stereo gear from them). When you buy from them, the installation kit (wire harnesses, adapters, face plate adapters and instructions specific to your vehicle are included in the price).

I believe if most shops had the kind of markup they have on some of the higher end stuff they do they'd throw in $30. 00 worth of installation stuff also.



On one certain double din navigation unit they're making almost $400 profit. :-laf

 

[hearingyourlies]

Sorry, I disagree. I purchased a Pioneer DEH7800mp from Crutchfield. It was 20 bucks CHEAPER than Best Buy, and it came with the antenna adapter, wiring harness and install kit along with detailed instructions. The newest kit didn't have an adapter for the 06 radio dimmer so I called them up, and they walked me through, step by step, hooking it up to the cigarette lighter. Go with crutchfield, save the headache.

 

[fkovalski]

Another vote for Crutchfield here... I got my components yesterday. Very complete with instructions. It does not look to be too difficult to install.









.

 

[wheatman]

another vote for Crutchfield... . they will get you the proper connections that you need. toughest thing i had to do was solder together a few wires... no biggie. I have an Alpine with the I-pod controls built in, my I-pod never leaves the glove box. its not that hard to swap it out..... just a nice afternoon tooling with your truck.

 

[JFaulkner]

I never said there was anything wrong with Crutchfield, but don't automatically assume that they have the best price. On some items they're pretty competitive (mostly lower end stuff) but on others they are WAY off in left field (in dash DVD and navi units) . No different than any other business, but to buy from them because they throw in a kit and harness is kind of funny since most wire harnesses are so cheap (General Motors 70-1858 is less than $3. 00) I'd give them to you also and install it for the profit they make. (on '03-'05 trucks it's 5 screws and 2 plugs and about 3 minutes of solid work. ):-laf

 

[CLynch]

I replace mine about a year ago with a Pioneer I got from Crutchfield. Installation went well. I did do some minor damage to the dash when I tried to pry it up. Eventually, I took an old toothbrush, ground down on end to an angle, an used that to pry on the plastic. IPOD adapter works great.

 

[fkovalski]

... toughest thing i had to do was solder together a few wires... . .

What are the opinions here regarding crimp connecting with heat shrink over it in lieu of soldering the wires?

 

[JFaulkner]

What are the opinions here regarding crimp connecting with heat shrink over it in lieu of soldering the wires?

It doesn't really matter behind the dash (no corrosion issues) as long as it's crimped securely.

 

[starkmr]

What are the opinions here regarding crimp connecting with heat shrink over it in lieu of soldering the wires?

While soldering is permanent, crimped connections are much quicker and if you pay attention, should last for the life of the truck.