2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Anyone tried retrofitting Navigation?

[EBung]

I've been brainstorming the idea of a rb1 or rb4 dvd,nav radio install in my 02 CTD but am not 100% confident I can pull it off. According to my measurments they seem to jive alright but my wifes 02 Durango which they say they are a perfect fit for has about a 1/4" wider opening and the bezel is concave shaped rather than flat like my Ram. Anybody already pull this off or no?

 

[WDixon27]

i am on the verge of installing a indash cd from a 02 durango in my 96 3500, which would open the door for a rb1 like was installed in the truck i got the cd from if i wanted, but i guess that's not much help as my 96 has a different dash then the later 2nd gen and what i need to do to mine to fit it in wouldn't help you

 

[EBung]

Well its starting to look like I might have a new experiment of my own... .

 

[JeepRig]

I have seen an oval shaped radio in a rectangular spot before. I don't know what was involved to get it there, but other than gaps at the corners it was fine.

 

[monkeyman]

I have the Pioneer DVD GPS with XM in my 2002, its a direct fit. Now Pac-Audio makes an adapter to allow use of steering wheel controls.

Rick

 

[MErickson1]

I read on a ebay listing that it would fit a 2001 Dakota. So really it should fit in a 98-02 Ram as they use the same stereo. Just looking at the RB1 it looks like it would probably fit. The rounded corners wouldn't be a big deal, put some black rubber / plastic ring around the outside face of the unit... .

(if that makes sence).



I almost forgot about the stereo controls on the steering wheel, that would be great if it was possible to get that to work aswell.



Once you have Satelite radio, you can't go without it. I use to think why would I pay for radio if I don't have to ?. It's the best thing since sliced bread !!!.



Ebung, where are you going to get your RB1 or RB4 from ?



The RB1 looks like it has a better display !



Matt

 

[EBung]

If I do get it ,probably Ebay. I want to go factory if anything. My wifes Durango has not only a concave face but the face is also 1/4" wider so it would be a hack job tomake it work and to look right. But I figured if I couldnt get it to work in my ram I would throw it in Durango. Let me know if you try it before I do.

 

[MErickson1]

Do you mean cut the whole trim piece surrounding the the stereo, vents, instrument cluster, when you say hack job ?.



If it would turned out to look like a hack job when it was finished, then I wouldn't even bother. I do remember reading an ebay listing that there was an adapter for the 2001 Dakota's. I just sold a 98 Dakota, it had the exact same stereo as my new 01 Ram. I thought that the 97-01 Dakota's were all the same.



If you buy RB1 first and it doesn't fit your Ram with out butchering it, then it should fit your Durango. You'll cover your rear that way !.

 

[EBung]

Our Rams ,and the second gen Dakotas for that matter, have a flat face plate that sits behind the dash bezel where my wifes 02 Durango has the stereo flush with the bezel not inset like ours. It wouldnt be a big deal to just mount it behind our bezels except its not flat its concave. Im in good with my local Dodge dealer and i'm going out there tomorrow so i'm going to ask if they have any rb1s or rb4s laying around or even a plain stereo with that same face I can borrow to do some mocking up. I'll report back!

 

[MErickson1]

Right on... !



I'll be waiting for your reply !

 

[TSBrown]

doni know what a rb1 or arb4 is but i put a kenwood kvt 717 dvd in my dash and 10" kicker subs in the rear extended cab doors got pics if any one wants to see. p. s. kenwood unit is set up to accept a nav unit but its a litte pricy 1200 dollars will by alot of maps

 

[TSBrown]

sorry my truck is an 01 forgot to mention that

 

[EBung]

Got a stereo out of a 2002 Neon with same face and it is definitly doable BUT,its going to take some fab work. But it will for sure mount in our dash and adapt electronically no problem. I'm just a little hesitant to take the carbide bit to my wood grain dash bezel at the moment.

 

[MErickson1]

Ebung... .



Thanks for looking into this on my behalf !



So there is no question that it's going to take some cutting of the trim ???.

If it does where does it need to be cut ?.



If cutting the trim piece is what's needed, I wonder how you could do it with out butchering it and making it look stock as possble ?.



From what your saying it sounds like it will mount right in and basically plug right in ?.



If thats the case maybe we both should go to a wrecker and buy a new trim piece and use that to be on the safe side.



:{

 

[EBung]

It will fit top and bottom wise fine but will need trimming of about 1/4" on both sides of the bezels opening. You'll also need the dual 7 pin to 22 pin adapter and the radio antenna adapter as well as mount the GPS antenna under the dash somewhere. Like I said if its well thought out before hand it is definitely doable.