I have a 2000 F250 Lariat with a broken CD player.Does removal require a special tool?Is it worth repairing or should I buy an aftermarket unit?What fits?Thanks.

 

probably cheapest to get an aftermarket. as far as removal, a bent wire coat hanger in the 2 sets of holes on either side if the radio should do the trick

 

i would say aftermarket cd player or post on craigslist that you are looking for a factory replacment.

as for the tool a coat hanger bent in a "u" shape works but i reccomend going to walmart and buy the radio removal tool. like 4 bucks and it allows it to be a one person job since it already has the notches at the end that allow the factory radio to hold on to it instead of having to pull the radio out with a second person while you disengauage the factory radio with the tool.

 

These guys have you covered pretty well on removing the radio.

As far as replacing it goes, I would recommend aftermarket also, unless you live in a high crime area and do not want to add an alarm. Aftermarket stereos usually give you a lot more options for the same amount of money as the factory units. You can install a single DIN unit very easily with an install kit. They usually have a small pouch underneath that you can use to store a few CDs or something like that.

Otherwise you could fit a double DIN stereo with a very minor amount of trimming to your dash, and using an install kit from a late 90s Explorer. The trimming is so minor that you can actually install your factory stereo again afterward and not even know anything ever changed. I installed a Kenwood DDX-6019 in my 99 F250 and really liked it. If you want to give us some ideas of what kind of features you would like we could give you some recommendations. Off the top of my head I would suggest the Kenwood DPX302 or DPX502 if you want to stick with a more traditional CD player, or maybe step up to a DNX5120, DNX7120, or DNX8120 if you want to go all out with DVD player, navigation, bluetooth hands free, etc. Here's a couple links.

Kenwood DPX302 (dpx302) , In-Dash Head Units, Receivers, Double DIN (2 DIN Receivers) - Sonic Electronix

Kenwood DNX5120 (dnx5120) , In-Dash Head Units, Receivers, In-dash DVD Players (with monitor) - Sonic Electronix

 

I have the deck from my 01 lariat with tape and CD, as well as the keys to remove the old radio. The harness would hook right up. Its for sale (cheap) if you want it.

 

You could always go look at eBay. I know they have them there...and you might be able to find an OEM 6CD changer as a replacement.

Good luck...


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