Radio Upgrade
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Junior User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 86
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Radio Upgrade
I have a 2005 Ranger L ( or whatever the base model is) that has an AM/FM radio that works O K but I was wanting to add a CD player. I looked on Ebay and there are many "stock" radio CD player combos for sale there. The application that many of them list vary by year. Some say they will fit from 1997 - 2007, some say they will fit only up to 2003. My question is if they will fit a stock 2003 will they fit a stock 2005? There is one in particular that intrests me but it lists that it will fit up to a 03' but says nothing about a newer model. Thanks
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 103
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when i upgraded to a CD player i used crutchfield.com it came with all the wires and how to install it. went in pretty easy but did not have a ton of space in my ranger so the wires had to be kinda short. but it came out real nice.
I also added some better speaker to when i wired it all in. I also picked up a cheap amp/sub at walmart for $50 then a wire kit for 40.
http://www.crutchfield.com/app/produ...dmenu3*menu_3##
I also added some better speaker to when i wired it all in. I also picked up a cheap amp/sub at walmart for $50 then a wire kit for 40.
http://www.crutchfield.com/app/produ...dmenu3*menu_3##
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 549
Likes: 0
From: Kansas City, KS
The sound on the regular cd player stinks. Look for the 6 disc changer. I've heard they've change wiring hookups in mid-03 but I have no defiant proof. From messing with a S10 and stock radios a long time ago the easiest way is to pull the old and compare with the new.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,147
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The single CD on my 04 sounded great with 4 speakers. The ranger has a small cab, it isn't hard to get volume in such a cotained space. I kept the stock head unit and swapped the speakers for frockford fosgates, it sounded really good. Didn't need an amp in that small cab, it would go loud enough to run you out without one. I know the younger folks can't get enough bass, but for us older folks it works great.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,748
Likes: 16
From: Connecticut
Originally Posted by wendell borror
The single CD on my 04 sounded great with 4 speakers. The ranger has a small cab, it isn't hard to get volume in such a cotained space. I kept the stock head unit and swapped the speakers for frockford fosgates, it sounded really good. Didn't need an amp in that small cab, it would go loud enough to run you out without one. I know the younger folks can't get enough bass, but for us older folks it works great.
My Ranger's OEM radio works fine for me, too. I've upgraded the speakers all around and it sounds pretty darn good. I also like the large buttons and face design of the unit. Very easy to understand and navigate, and it matches very well with the rest of the dash and interior. The only thing I wish it did was play MP3s (mine is a late 90's vintage, I don't know if the newer ones have that ability or not).P.S. You can find some relevant information on this site: http://www.oem-auto-accessory.com/fa...rd_radios.html
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Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2007
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Probably too late for the original poster, but if it has the same size face, and the four holes for the U-tool, it will be compatible. 99% of the trucks I have swapped the factory radios in and out of were direct plug and play affairs..... I did have to make an adapter harness to make the factory single CD player from my '02 F350 fit my '95 Explorer (replaced the AM/FM cassette there), but that was a simple "take two plugs and butt connect the wires" deal. The only mods otherwise were when I had to cut a bit of plastic behind the dash of a 99 F150 XL with an AM/FM, to accomodate the larger chassis of a factory '02 single CD player. I have swapped stereos between 96, 98, 03, and 07 Rangers, a 99 Explorer, 99, 02 and 03 Super Duties with ZERO mods. And hey, if I can do it, you can too!!!!
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,726
Likes: 10
From: down south
I know you were liking the factory unit, but i recently came across a deal with crutchfield.com. Any $129 and up stereo would come with free shipping, free wire kit, free dash kit, and free U tool plus instructions. Then there was an online coupon for $20 off...making it a grand total of $109 to the door. Pretty good deal considering you are going to spend some money making the factory unit fit with your wires and you can get all the bells and whistles you want! Just thought I would add it as an option.