I'm with you completely, but I can't stand the stereo in my truck. The sound just sucks. Even with the bass up all the way, it's just weak, unless the volume is up to about half. And I really want my Sirius back.
Best place I've found for that faceplate is Amazon, and crutchfield, and it's still $250, and the stereo really isn't too bad at $279. But there are also some rather pricey wire harnesses to buy in order to use the steering wheel controls, that's like another $100

 

Alright, I've finally pulled the trigger and bought my new stereo stuff. I went up another model stereo wise, from the Pioneer AVH-X2800BS (yes BS) to the AVH-X3800BHS that's $30 more and is an HD reciever. The dash kit, wire harnesses to keep steering wheel controls, Sirius tuner that has a rebate making it a freebee, a couple of black box's that do some other stuff. It is scheduled to be here this Thursday, 2 day shipping for North Carolina Not as bad as putting a nice factory stereo in. Right at $754 for all of it, still sucks that the stereo is only $279, and $475 (Literally) for the stuff to install it and make it work...
So I'll have some pictures to post of during, and after installation.

 

Post some good pics of the installation or even a youtube video when it's all installed. I'd like to see it.

 

Patiently waiting for those pics of the install. And X2 on the video of the performance of that stereo.

 

Me too!
I've received a tracking number, and the stereo stuff is supposed to be here tomorrow (Thursday) on the UPS truck, and it seams to run late afternoon to early evening. So I may wait until Friday to put it in the truck. The faceplate that Crutchfield sells, keeps the screen to the stock stereo because it show different truck features like climate control, if you have the digital climate control (I do not) also the time and temp etc.
I was hoping not to have that screen if I'm not using that stereo.

 

I had another stereo shop tell me today, that the stock stereo screen does not, have to stay there.
They sell a different faceplate, and it's $80 more than the one I have coming from Crutchfield.....But that would put me at over $850, for a stereo that I paid $279 for...

 

You want to PM me what you would be thinking for your factory plate and stereo with the screen?

 

Hopefully today is the day
I did get the stock stereo out of the truck yesterday. Wasn't too bad, had it out and done in less than 30 minutes.
The new stuff showed up late yesterday evening (naturally) though I did get started on the wire mess, I wasn't able to finish it yesterday, I do plan on getting back outside and getting after it once the sun is up and warming up outside.
No garage, so at least the weather is on my side.

 

The new stereo is in and works great. The wiring is confusing to be nice about it. That truck requires so many different harnesses, adapters and modules, it just isn't funny.
I have the Sirius tuner added, and like having it back already. I have the antenna for the Sirius laying on top of the dash since I'm just not sure how/where I'm going to run and hide the wire so it isn't visible.
I did take plenty of pictures and need to find a way to get them posted without hogging the entire FTE websight.
I'll get pictures up as soon as I can.
Beer Frame!

 

Here's some pictures to remove the factory stereo.
First, good help is hard to find, but I have Rocky
There are 3, 8mm bolts to remove the passenger side air bag (after disconnecting the negative battery terminal).
Remove the right side trim of the center section of the dash, there is 1, 7mm screw there, and at the top corner of the center section.
The left/driver side panel of the center section cant be removed without taking the trim around the front of the instrument cluster off. But, it can safely be pulled back enough to remove the remaining 7 mm screw from the top right of the center section.
There are 2, 7mm screws at the bottom of the center section, above the AUX, and USB port.
The center section can be removed now. There are 2 wire harnesses that need to be removed. One at the bottom, for heat/ac, and one at the top for Traction Control. The Traction Control plug is a pain in the butt. There is a tab that needs to be pushed in, and push in, on the plug to get this one out.
The stereo and display each have another 4, 7mm screws each, and the wire harnesses unplugged. There is a Phillips screw that needed to be removed from the factory stereo that fastens to a metal brace, then it's ready to be removed.
Now it's time.
I had mine out in less that 30 minutes.
I used a 1/4" ratchet, with a couple of different length extensions., A 7, and 8mm socket, And a Phillips screwdriver.

I'll get install pictures up when I get them off of my phone.

 

Rocky looks like he was a BIG help on the removal part at least. Hope he got a beer too.

 

Stereo is finished, since we removed the face plate today, ran the antenna for the satellite radio, and added the AUX output, so I can use a mic to do a speaker calibration for better sound, and I'm sure that AUX output will do more stuff too.
A good buddy here in the North Carolina Chapter came ouver, and after another pot of coffee, to warm the bones from a sunny cool morning, it is finished
We didn't have to drop the headliner at all. We did remove the 3rd brake light and with a file, notch the 3rd brake light for the Antenna wire to fit into, so the brake light can fit flush. We also put a dab of Silicone in that spot. (yes the blue stuff, that'll get changed)
With a clothes hanger, we fished the male end of the satellite antenna above the headliner, to the post at the left rear pf the cab.
We were able to pull that wire through the rest of the cab, and hide everything.
To pull back the left rear trim, there is a plug that needs to be removed, then a 7mm socket is needed to remove that screw, and then there are 2 more plastic plugs that need to be removed at the back of the headliner, these you can just push back in to hold the headliner up.

 

Glad to hear u got it all installed & are happy
I am about to tear my truck all apart too, ordered a full Kicker system today, which includes 4 new speakers, digital amp/processor for those, a subwoofer w/amp & all the plug n play wiring needed. Very excited myself!!
Do u have a pic of the dash & new radio after reassembly

 

I suck......had a few after, well and during the time I was making dinner, thought I posted it.

Let me know how you like the speaker upgrade. I'm using the factory speakers, and can tell a huge difference already. But I'm gonna ask Santa for new speakers for Christmas. Each of the 4 doors, and I have the speakers in the pillars too. No amp, and doubt I'll ad any.

Crutchfield offered just this one faceplate. And I did keep the Sync, though so far I like the Bluetooth of the Pioneer AVH-X3800BHS just fine. So I kept the display of the factory stereo, kept the steering wheel controls, and added the Sirius tuner.

 

Looks good Bob. Looks like a nice clean factory like install.