cd player
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 7,404
Likes: 52
From: Wheatland, Mo
It should be good from 97 through 2003. The main thing is to check the way that you remove the current system has to be the same as the new or the mounts won't work. Also make sure the plugs on the back are the same. Some have hookup for a factory amp and others don't. Has to be the same or won't hook up right.
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 319
Likes: 1
i think if your truck is a 97 only 97-98 radios will fit your pickup. the plugs on the back of your radio are more than likely the long flat plugs and the radio themselves are bigger than the 99-2003 f-150's. when i bought my truck(2000 f-150) the radio had been stolen so i got the am/fm radio out of my dad's 97 f-150 and the plugs were totally different and the radio would not even fit in the hole in the dash. in 99 ford changed alot of electrical pieces. best thing to do is pull your radio out and check the plugs. if you plan to buy a radio off ebay make sure it has a picture of the back of the radio so you can compare the plugs. hopes this helps
-matt
-matt
Freshman User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
http://www.installdr.com/InstallDocs/FLM/PDF/356033.pdf
I put a 2001 factory CD player in my 1996 Ranger by building an adapter. Find a junkyard and cut the radio harness + plugs from a later model truck, and get one of the Schoshe (?) adapters for your model truck. Splice the two together using the respective pinout diagrams to make an adapter.
The only notable thing is that the 1998-newer pinout has 2 grounds (I and N) and the pre-98 only has one (K). I moved the unused power antenna lead in the adapter to make the second ground, but dont remember what I attached it to.
I put a 2001 factory CD player in my 1996 Ranger by building an adapter. Find a junkyard and cut the radio harness + plugs from a later model truck, and get one of the Schoshe (?) adapters for your model truck. Splice the two together using the respective pinout diagrams to make an adapter.
The only notable thing is that the 1998-newer pinout has 2 grounds (I and N) and the pre-98 only has one (K). I moved the unused power antenna lead in the adapter to make the second ground, but dont remember what I attached it to.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 7,404
Likes: 52
From: Wheatland, Mo
My bad...NASCAR is right. I forgot they changed the design alot. Went from a single DIN unit to a double din unit. Dont leave out the possibility of getting a tape unit that will control a factory CD changer.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 324
Likes: 0
From: Southern USA
panelguy...ford puts an adaptor in at least some trucks (i got mine from a '99 f150 in a junyard) to convert the exsisting dual flat style gray and black terminals to the din , yes this one had a single din square connector. it worked perfect when i put my factory cd player ('01 f150) into the wives '97 merc which had the flat style connectors. And the '01 had 2 din receptacles but apparently only one is really required on std equipment stereo. It worked perfect! except adaptor wire was a little long and the head wouldn't quite go in all the way because of adaptor bundled up in there. The flat style connectors on the radio/cd players was changed to din sq conn. in '98 or '99. I guess this truck in the junkyard still had old style dash wiring, henceforth the adaptor. i was suprised to find it!! i have the ford # wrote down somewhere i think. Also some have a plastic guide rail type retainer and some have just a bolt/stud type w/a rubber grommet on it...my .03 worth...paul
Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 2,977
Likes: 1
From: South Texas
Originally Posted by panelguy
Hello, I want to change my factory radio, casette player to a factory radio cd player. I have a 97 f150 and I'm wondering what years of radios will fit, anyone done this? Thanks
Trending Topics
FTE Legend
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 37,887
Likes: 20
From: North Central Rural Sask.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Junior User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
From: Canton USA
The Ipod's have an RF modulator option for about $30 bucks, those little things are incredible. Store a ton of music and play most of the day before needing recharged, you could also get a car charger. This way you can hide the Ipod and make everyone think you only have a cassette player and no one wants to bust your window for your CD player.