Has anyone tried putting a Nav unit from a late model super duty or Expy into an Excursion? Found a unit on CL for cheap out of an Expy that got me wondering if it could be done...

I know the mounting is a bit different but if it could work, I think it would look better than going with an aftermarket unit. Thoughts?

 

Would be bad ***. Keep us posted if u try it

 

Reluctant to try as it seems no one else has done it.

 

I put a Pioneer touch screen in my X. It plays DVD's is compatible with an ipod and can use a GPS app from the app store and display it on the screen. There is a seperate GPS unit that can be plugged in to the Pioneer system so it will operate just as a factory system. I got mine for Xmas for $279 from Crutchfield.

It fits nicley and looks almost factory!

 

I've looked all through crutchfields website and saw some nice units, but wanted a real factory look. Plus, about half of what you paid. But if it won't work, it won't work. I'll probably end up with a pioneer as you have or maybe a kenwood unit

 

I looked at doing this for about 30 seconds last year when I was looking to replace my deck. I did this in my Jeep Grand Cherokee that I had before the Excursion and while it was nice to have 'factory navigation', everything else about it sucked. Here is why:

Little screens: The unit you're probably looking at has a 3" screen with a **** on each side in the middle, correct? 10 years ago this was OK but now it's going to drive you nuts. Not to mention that screen is most likely CCFL lit and NOT LED and therefore will be dimmer and yellower than you would like.

No touchscreen: You're going to be using buttons and ***** to input your destination and it gets old quick.

Old data: That Ford unit doesn't have the entire nation built into it. You have to purchase a 'book' of DVDs that cover different areas of the US and when you go to a different area you'll put the other disk in.

Old factory nav units just aren't worth it. IMHO most people are MUCH better served with a aftermarket deck with a NICE LOOKING dash kit (look at American International, NOT metra).

Personally I like the look of the 7" Pioneer unit I have, it's quite literally all screen with minimal buttons that I can change the color to match the dash.

While it can be done, I'd really recommend against it. Replacing the head unit in the Excursions is fairly easy as long as you take your time when resizing the stereo cavity. Fortunately our trucks don't tie the ignition, security and stereo all together like newer vehicles.

 

Kenwood, Pioneer or Alpine, that, that's about it.

-F. Gump

 

Well said. Hadn't looked at it in that way...
The OEM screen is decent size, bigger than 3" for sure but the dvd books would get to be a PITA really quick.
Thanks for the advice!

 

Ya i would seriously consider a good aftermarket unit. Mine also has bluetooth and the phone becomes hands free with the radio along with the bluetooth music. I also now have a back up camera because it is built into the radio. I bought a camera off of Amazon for $20 and it gives a great picture when put in reverse!

I had thought about a factory system to for about 5 min. After i seen the price and then what it would take to make it work i gave up. For less than the price of a factory system i have the pioneer and i'm getting a small flatscreen for the rear seat to mount in the cupholders in the back of the center console.