Looking to install a new stereo (but stock) in my 03 F250. I have just purchased it last week and loving it dearly and wanting to haul anything ... anyways, it is an XL model with only an AM/FM ... wanting to install a CD player but using stock ford, I have found many available on auction sites. My question though is if how do you know if they are compatible? I pulled my stereo yesterday (wish I wrote down the model #) there was only 1 jack used, most of the stereos i have seen have 2 jacks to connect to the stereo, is this other jack used for something else external from the stereo, or actually recquired to hook up? .. how or where can i find what models will work? would appreciate any advice ... I am a new user on here, and so far i am truly impressed with all the other topics .. great site!

A.

 

Welcome to FTE !

Stay away from the 6 cd changer stock in dash ones they've had their share of problems.
The extra connector is for speakers or can be for or rear integrated control panels used on supercabs, crewcabs or excursions.

Also In looking at the wiring schematics the excursion and crewcab can have a rear dvd player in them that will use another connector

some also have a connector that goes into the abs controller
tied in with in steering wheel control.

I would try an get one from a supercab pickup single cd in dash am/fm .

Just my $.02

Rich


02 F250 4x4 SC 5.4v8 6spd 3.73ls Trueblue/Silver and Chrome Nerfs

"All Levers"

 

I know you wanted stock, but let me suggest you go aftermarket. You'll get way better sound and operation for the money, and the install is just as easy. For the money of buying stock you can get a pretty good head unit from Eclipse (my Favourite), Pioneer, Sony, etc...

Go to your local electronics store and ask for a Ford install kit. You should get a dash mount kit that consists of a plastic hanger for your aftermarket deck that just neatly snaps into place in your Ford dash. The other thing you'll get is an adapter/pig tail that simply plugs into your aftermarket stereo and directly into your Ford stereo wiring harness. The whole operation takes about 5 mins.

One note though, you need a special tool to remove the Ford stereo, get the install guy at the place where you buy the kit to pop it out for you using his tool, he may balk a little, but I find a little $$$ usually gets the job done.

Waxy

 

You could try the Mach 3 cd/mp-3/am-fm/ player. I think they came stock in the rangers. I had one and was pleased with it.

 

>I would try an get one from a supercab pickup single cd in dash am/fm .

Good call. Avoid the units from Excursions as they are dual mode and will not work properly without the rear seat controls.

 

Go to http://www.crutchfield.com and have a look around. They also sell install kits specific to the F-250, which simplify the installation process -- plug the new head-unit into the supplied harness, and plug the harness into the factory wires. Can't get any easier! And if you do run into any problems, their tech guys will talk you through over the phone (they provide support on any product you purchase from them). Their prices are good (about the same as what your local electronics guys will charge) but not as low as some online stores I know of. Their service, on the other hand, is THE BEST. Good luck!

 

I pulled out my factory CD stereo in my 02 SD and bought a Sony. It is definitely the way to go. The stock radio is decent but the Sony or any other aftermarket stereo is going to be much better. All you need to get is a dash kit either Metra or Scoche will do and a wiring harness adapter which you solder to the new radio harness then plug into the factory plug snap it all into the dash and your good to go. The only problem I had was the factory radio din mount was bent on one side to the point where it was impossible to remove the factory radio with the din tool. I ended up removing the front dash panel, which was pretty simple, to get the factory radio out.

Chuck

 

I have have the stock cd/cass in mine. I changed speakers to 6x8 Pioneers and added an 8 in sub. Great upgrade with the stock head unit.

 

Can someone tell me what size the factory radio is in superduty's? Is it double din or din and a half?