Audio
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Joined: Jun 2001
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Audio
I'm trying to determine what audio systems were offered on the 96 model Ford f150's and Broncos. I am wanting to upgrade my cassette player in my 96 to a cd player that was a option on these trucks. Did they have a premium system cd player which included the factory amp or did all cd players come as a premium system with a amp. Or was there a factory amp in any of the systems. I basically am unclear of whtat i will have to do to change the cassette to a cd player. I was hoping that the existing plug or a plug in the dash not being used would work but someone told me a premiium cd player would not work without the amp and hookups. Any one with information to clear me up would greately be appreciated
Brisan90
Brisan90
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Joined: Oct 2000
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From: Nebraska
Audio
In my opinion, I would go get a good aftermarket CD Player. I know some people like to keep everything lookin' stock, that's fine. For the same or less money you should be able to get a nice aftermarket unit that will slide right in and have lots of nifty features (remote) and probably better sound. Just goto a parts store or Walmart/kmart and get a <$8 Stereo Harness plug. That way you don't have to cut any of your factory wires, you just plug it in and go. If you sell the truck and want to put the factory one back, it's about a 5 min job.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 4,137
Likes: 41
From: Marble Falls, Texas
Audio
Most all newer fords have an amp stock. If what you really want is a stock ford cd player, I would just go to any audio shop, and ask about them. Sometimes people won't take the stock ones with them after an up grade. And any good audio shop should have the plug in wire harness that you need. Amped or not. But I don't think they are $8. More like $25, and $35 for the amped harness. If you strike out there check junk yards. That is where stock radios are plentiful. But I agree with the guy before, an after market will perform much better. Hope some of this helps.
RubberDuck
RubberDuck
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Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 2,719
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From: Lee's Summit MO
Audio
The Factory Cd player used from 1994-1997 Ford trucks was just a cd player. It had no premium components. It had the same output level as the cassette had at the same time. Same speakers as 1992-1997 trucks. Ford used a premium cassette player from the Crown Victoria in 1994 only which had a higher output but also used the same speakers. I don't think there is any remote amp in the trucks. My 1993 F-150 does not have one. I have not come across any newer ones that have one either.
The Factory cd player is rare, but can be found fairly reasonable. I found one for $100, but passed it on. An aftermarket cd player is yards above it. Jenson made the factory radios for Ford, so that should give you an idea.
The Factory cd player is rare, but can be found fairly reasonable. I found one for $100, but passed it on. An aftermarket cd player is yards above it. Jenson made the factory radios for Ford, so that should give you an idea.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 1,229
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Audio
The factory cd player with amp was available in trucks and sounds much better than the basic radio w/cassette. The cd players are on Ebay regularly for $175-200 but they don't include the amp. An aftermarket stereo would be cheaper/better though.
New User
Joined: Aug 2001
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From: 1541 West Post Road
Audio
Wonder how you made out on your 1996 radio/CD issue. I have also been trying to upgrade my 1996 Mazda B2300 AM/FM/Cassette with a Ford CD or CD/Cassette unit. It appears that 1998-2000 Ford units will work, but you will need a wire adapter to go from your two plugs to the single plug on the later model radios. I have not been able to determine which models have the white plastic guide bracket. It appears that an after-market single DIN unit is much cheaper and probably has better performance.
Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 4,496
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Audio
I agree with the other people here that you should consider an aftermarket stereo. You can get a kenwood from crutchfield for about 150 bucks and it will give you all the watts you would need for normal listening and will sound better than any stock cd. Your truck is probably the easiest thing to put a stereo in get a install kit install the metal casing from the kit into the hole bend 4 tabs get a 10 dollar harness kit at the same store you buy the kit match wires up in about 15 minutes taking your time slide stereo into metal casing install trim piece on radio and enjoy. Get some reasonable priced 6 and a half inch speakers for the doors and you will love it when you add a amp for a couple of subs behing the seat. Would you believe you can install a 15 inch sub in your truck and still have room for a 6 foot 2 person (if you have a bench seat that is). If you would like to know how I can let you know. Good luck with you truck
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2000
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Audio
Go aftermarket - you won't regret it. go to a website like crutchfield. com or bestbuy.com to determine what fits and what you like. I personally wouldn't want a used cd player because you don't know that it works (if it is out of the vehicle) plus like it was said before, it was made by Jensen. My 2 cents...
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