Double DIN Head Unit Stereo Install (with pictures)
 

Hey fellas, took some time this week to change the stock stereo receiver out of the truck. I took some pictures in case any of you are thinking about doing it. It's extremely easy and increases the aesthetic appeal of your truck. I want to thank RobbinthaHood right off the bat for helping me build the confidence to tear into the dash. Just as he said, it wasn't difficult.

I installed the same unit he used which is a Pioneer FH-X700BT. It is affordable ($149.99 from Crutchfield & Sonic Electronix), is Aux, Bluetooth and USB capable, and finally it looks really nice. I also went to Best Buy and got a Metra adapter ($19.99) and F250 compatible Double DIN aftermarket frame ($19.99).

Tools Used:

7 mm ratchet and socket
Wire Crimper/Stripper
Putty Knife (in place of door panel removal tool)
Phillips head screwdriver
Butt Connectors from Radioshack ($2.99 for 6)
Zip-ties (optional)

http://i663.photobucket.com/albums/u...dra/photo2.jpg

All the butt connectors in place. The grey connector is the Metra adapter that goes to the OEM harness after you pull off the old receiver. The smaller black one comes with the new unit. The wires came stripped from Pioneer and the Metra adapter. All I did was twirl them and crimp them into the butt connectors (honestly, the hardest part as I'm not an electrician) - they are color coded and so you just match them up.

http://i663.photobucket.com/albums/u...a/photo1-2.jpg

So I drove around and ran some errands with the heat on high and fan up to warm the plastic up. Then all you have to do is pull on the dash trim and it will start to come out. All that holds it in place are a bunch of plastic tabs. I used the putty knife to aid in the process. Just work methodically and slowly and you won't break anything.

There are a few videos online of how to do this and he removes everything including the auto climate controls, cigarette lighter etc. All I removed was the headlight connection tab (shown in the pic, the tab is on the bottom and needs to be wiggled out), the dashboard illumination tab (not shown, tab is on the right side), and the foot pedal distance adjuster tab (not shown, tab is on the top side) - all 3 are located on the bottom left of the dash. Then I put the shifter all the way down and brought the steering wheel all the way down. It's not plenty of room to work but its more than enough if you're careful.

http://i663.photobucket.com/albums/u...dra/photo5.jpg

Headlight tab:

http://i663.photobucket.com/albums/u...dra/photo4.jpg

http://i663.photobucket.com/albums/u...dra/photo6.jpg

Dash Removed:

There are 4 black 7 mm screws that hold the stock unit in place. Don't lose these as they are re-used to secure the aftermarket frame and receiver.

http://i663.photobucket.com/albums/u...dra/photo7.jpg

Finished product:

http://i663.photobucket.com/albums/u...dra/photo8.jpg

http://i663.photobucket.com/albums/u...ra/photo10.jpg

That's the same unit I have as well. Got alot of features for the price.

I've been eyeballing that unit for a while too. $144 at Walmart $110 on Amazon.

Do all the Steering wheel controls work? I've been looting at doing this for awhile.

Look great, how hard was it to remove the dash?

I think you can get the kit for steering controls. It wasn't a big deal for me. It has a remote though.

Well if anyone has an idea on that part # then this gets done this week. Love the look.

Dash can be remove in under 5 minutes. It just unclips.

I didn't get the steering wheel controls wiring kit either as I will be playing most of my music off my iPhone through Bluetooth so I'd be running the unit from my phone more often than the steering wheel.

Dash removal is really easy. I can't stress this enough. I was nervous before but there are some good videos on youtube (search for F250 dash removal/radio installation). Just take your time and remember some of those tabs haven't been touched since the vehicle was assembled so wiggle them gently and they will come out (they almost feel like the FICM connectors where you can't really see them and have to do it by 'feel').