I bought a 1989 f250 xlt lariat about 3 weeks ago as my first vehicle and so far it has been perfect. One problem I have had from the beginning is that the radio doesn't work. It doesn't have any static or anything, just silence. If you don't start the truck, just turn the key, you can very faintly hear it out of the left driver side speaker. I would like advice on wether I need a new stereo or new speakers or both. And if I do need them which are the best to get for cheap. Thx far any help!

 

if its a single Din radio, wally world has them as cheap as $40.00, then you could install radio and see if speakers still work, if your just wanting simple radio stations

 

In my 91 F-250, I had the factory AM/FM/Cassette, it worked well. I went to Walmart and for $80, got a Kenwood, AM/FM/CD/BT/Spotify/Pandora, etc., with removable faceplate.. Bought the Scosche harness, and installation adapter for a simple plug and play. Spent a few hours and now have great tunes. Syncs perfectly with my Samsung phone, really a tremendous sound upgrade. I did not replace my door speakers, as I am looking into adding rear speakers, and will do all 4 at the same time. Unless you are strongly hoping to keep the factory system, I would recommend this approach. In your case where there is some doubts about stereo or speaker, I would just upgrade both at the same time.

 

I solved my radio issue with a $16 head unit from walmart and some butt connectors. I saved on suggested adapter and looked up the wiring colors online. Super simple and easy to upgrade later to a better unit later.