I was going through some spare parts and found the TI100DM radio/cd/cassette player for Premium Sound systems I had in my 98 Ranger that I think got out of an Explorer. I wanted similar factory sound system as in my 99 Dakota R/T that has the Infinity sound system that sounds unbelievable to be a 1999. I was looking through the 98 factory Ford shop manual I have and it shows the radio options, speakers, but does not show a removal, installation, or any particular tests for the amplifier. In the factory 1998 Ranger dealer brochure I have under the audio options is states the Premium Sound system includes 4 Premium Speakers, the Cd/cassette/radio with RDS and is an 80 watt system. Even in the brochure it doesn't mention a separate amplifier. fordpartsgiant shows a replace part# for an amplifier and amplifier wiring assembly but for the cd/changer magazine. So did the Premium 80 Watt sounds system on the 98 Ranger have a separate amplifier? I've never seen one except on a few later Rangers. My 99 Dakota has a factory amplifier mounted on the passenger kick panel area. It was rated 100 watts. I was curious because although I've had nothing but problems with the Ford cd players I would possibly like to get it repaired but was wanting to know if indeed there should be a separate amplifier that would be factory on the Premium Sound system in 98.

 

I can't recall ever seeing or hearing about a '98 Ranger that came with a factory amplifier.

Some Explorers, on the other hand, did come with amplified systems.

 

OP can confirm this by looking at the (free) vehicle schematics over on bbbind.com and checking for the presence of a separate amp in said schematics if premium sound was OEM in the vehicle (I know for a fact there was a separate amp on my old 94). However and with that said, you can get a much better stereo than the OEM premium sound and it'll have the desired power for as little as ~$120 at a WalMart.

 

if you have extended cab the amp is close to passenger side rear speaker close to door and hard to get to unless you remove the trim,,,,you might be able to unplug it without removing trim,,,,close to passenger jump seat,,,if not extended cab look behind passenger kick panel or under dash between glove box and heater control,,,,not all models had a amp !!!