My new stereo is on order I got the knewood kdc-mp4028 . I have a 04 larait with the steering wheel controls and I would like to be able to still use them has anyone had to install one of the kits that allows you to retain the use of these? also I have a pioneer 200 watt amp pushing my pioneer 10, I have infinty ref 5x7in the doors I have a small alphasonik 150 watt 2 chaneel amp that I'm planning on using to power the frontdoor speakers and let the headunit power the rear door speakers , as I don't want to put the amp in a 2 ohm load as I'm not sure how well it will handle it any advice or suggestions on this would be greatly appreciated

 

Why would you want to swap teh factory headunit, I alwasy thought after market stuff looks so out of place. If you wanted to just get louder music why not use an amp with speaker level inputs and then run wores to teh speakers?

Is the unit you are moving to have an LCD screen or somehting? If so then I guess I understand.

 

Well the stock factory Ford units don't sound all that well, most don't do MP3, and I don't think any do sat radio. Other people prefer more options.
The single CD is not very adequate.

The guys with the Audiophiles (500 bucks minimum extra) might be quite happy, but for those with the 50 dollar stock head unit (what equivalent unit costs aftermarket) many want better sound.

I do think the factory head unit is nice looking. And I liked the controls. I didn’t like the fact that it wouldn’t play MP3’s, had no external input, or internal for that matter.
Sound was vaguely OK, but speakers were weak. Adding an amp to a weak output, especially as it would have to be high level output, is not a very satisfying sound increase, unless you just want thump. I like music, not thump.
I was able to sell my factory head unit, and four speakers for a net of 100 bucks. A high quality Kenwood and four Pioneer speakers, nice looking face and wires total about 230 less the 100. Small amps are practically free, easy to install.
I have a cheap sub box, but who cares? It sounds clear. Woofers are cheap.
So for less that 180 out of pocket I have good sound.
I admit since I switched to double din and another monitor it doesn’t look as good as the stock unit, but it’s not bad, and I now have DVD/backup camera, which is worth a lot.





Although, why change anything on the truck, why have any color other than black? (model T reference).
Why have more than one model truck. Why allow people to own trucks? Make everyone ride bicycles. etc.
Because we can in a free country is another answer.

Chris