I was wondering who has aftermarket head units. I have the 4’’ display and looking to do a upgrade. What install kits do people use and does all the steering wheel and usb work. Thanks for any info and pics.

 

I did a Pioneer 8” 5500NEX with radio specific


Metra dash kit. Had the 4” screen with no sync. Changed the steering wheel and all functions worked wit the kit. There are newer options, but I liked the in dash, factory look.

 

Pioneer AVIC-8200NEX for me. Had all the features I wanted, and then some.

 

you might as well go top shelf and get the new Phoenix or Linkswell 12” screens.

 

Ask yourself how much do you want to spend.

The reason I say this is because some dash kits plus the interfaces will easily exceed the cost of many DD head units.

Go to the PAC-Audio.com, iData, and Metra websites to find out what you’ll need and what features you want to retain in your vehicle such as steering wheel controls, back up cameras, SiriusXM and go from there.

Also, don’t put 100% faith in what the Crutchfield website says.

 

I had installed a Kenwood HU in my 2017. Was very nice.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post17758507

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post17758314

 

I have the install kit, wire harness, and maestro I’d sell you if you’re interested you can PM me. I installed sync 3 in my truck and no longer have a use for it.

 

I looked at all of the options last year for my f150. I liked the tesla style stuff but beyond the wow factor it honestly didnt seem that great of a deal it was expensiveand i saw alot of guys that seemed to regret it either from a audio aspect or lack of usable content or functionality issues. I looked at the metra/pac stuff and didnt like the little digital screen thing. I ended up doing the maestro rr and dash kit. I used iirc a pioneer 2550nex radio that does the idata stuff and will read codes and vehicle info..... that part is far from impressive and i doubt id do it again if going from scratch. In the f150 i also replaced the lower block for usb function and used that for carplay/android auto. The dash kit also has 2 usbs and a hdmi iirc. I ended up buying some 12v to usb power supply boxes to power up all the extra usb ports. My initial goal was to stop using those stupid cigarette lighter adapters. I wish i had gotten a multiple hdmi deck as that would have been nice. I ended up though getting a hdmi to rca convertor so i could use a chrome cast to watch netflix or youtube since i could not do that thru android auto. I honestly liked the setup alot although they did come out with a different radio module that would allow you to use the factory dash piece in the trucks that came with a screen and still use the factory volume **** and such. I may try that in my 2016 f350.

 

Im far from a crazy audio guy but if you replace the radio plan on speakers as the oem speakers are junk compared to thenprevious gen superduty trucks. I ended up doing jbl club 6x9 fronts and 6.5 rears. I cut up the factory speakers to use the original housings then soldered in the wiring so it would be plug and play. It was a much needed upgrade. Next i went with a fosgate slim 12" sub that fits behind the seat of the truck. That and a 1100w amp. Plenty of bass for me and it kills the sony system in my 16 f350.

My f150 ended up getting totaled so this go round I went with 2017 f250 xlt excab lwb. I pulled pretty much everything from the f150. This week so far ive swapped the door speakers and tonight i got thenremote start installed. Most likely ill have time to mod the dash and get the radio done friday or saturday. Still need to order a amp install kit but ill likely prewire it while doing the radio.