Ok, went to Al & Ed's, they say there isn't a way to direct iPod or XM to my 6-disc in-dash chgr. Guy said I needed a SAT button at the very least and it'd be nice if it had an AUX button.

Ok, fine, went home, got a 2004 Navigator 6-disc in-dash chgr on ebay for $88. It has both buttons. Both radios look exactly the same, the only difference being on the new one has a SAT button instead of CD and CD/AUX instead of Shuffle. Also, the Navi unit is silverish instead of black. Both radios are Phase II connections, the Navi has the same features and a little more.

Anyways, this should work right? Sure it'll look silvery, but then I can direct-in both the iPod and XM and still keep the 6-disc in-dash.

The new Navi unit has the model #4L7T-18C815-AC.

A few reasons for going this route: 1) Obviously it's better to direct-in than FM, especially in LA where there aren't any empty FM freqs, 2) I'd hate go completely aftermarket since I'll still really enjoy the 6-disc in-dash even with the iPod going, 3) Planning to keep this car another 3 yrs minimum and also planning 3 r/t cross-country during that time - must be entertained!

Thoughts?

 

Awesome deal on the Navi radio I don't see any reason it shouldn't work as far as being a direct swap. The only thing you *might* lose is your bass. I'm not familiar with the Navi radio but if it has a factory sub the radio has an internal crossover to cut the bass out of the regular speaker connections. I'm going through this right now with a 2001 Escape "Mach" radio I put in my SuperDuty. Worst case you may have to add a sub Go to Ford's website and you can download an owner's manual to the '04 Navi to figure out how the parts of the radio you're not familiar with work.

 

My Expedition actually has a factory-installed sub in it, so hopefully I got extra lucky there.