1998-2001 radios different from 1995-1997?

[stilbo]

I have been trolling ebay for an in dash cd/am/fm stock radio for the 1997 xlt we just purchased (on ebay!) but I have noticed that there must be a difference in 95-97 v.s. 98-01 radios as they are all listed seperately. I know that 95-97 CD set ups used the 6 disc player with amp like my '96Limited and all other 95-97 in dash units were cassette only BUT : Will a '98-01 in dash CD/AM/FM player work in the '97 ???

I REALLY want to get rid of the JVC in dash cd unit that was in the '97 when we bought it! It looks goofy and the display is about as obnoxious as having a 100 watt blue light bulb in the middle of the dash (If anyone wants this thing, let me know) I tried JVC customer "service" for a downloadable owners manual with the hope of finding out if I can at least dim the display but JVC product support leaves a lot to be desired.

Also... if a '98-'01 unit will fit the '97 and anyone has one available, lemme know!

Thanks,

Ron S.

 

[mic98xlt]

98 thru present Fords Explorers mainly use plugs called "T100" which is pretty much the standard for 95% of the Explorers. They are described as a square plug and a retangular plug. 97 and down factory plugs look slim plus long and retangular.There are some newer plugs that came out in 2003 and up but mainly for the top of the line Ford radio's called audiophile. In general 98 and up have their own built in amplifiers in the radio itself. Earlier Explorers had a separate amplifier mounted in the rear right hatch area behind the rear inside fender. The amp is PITA to get to due to it's behind all that plastic trim. Physically a 98 and up Ford radio that has no lip around the radio bezel with 4 holes on the radio front for removal , plus retaining clips on the sides will fit right in the opening. At Autozone and other similiar places they have a bypass harness which should jump out the factory amp in the hatch rear and allow you to connect the output from the built-in amp of the 98 and up radio. It will take the connecting of a couple of harnesses together but it can be done. I just removed my 98 factory cassette cd radio and I see lots of them on Ebay for great prices. Hope this helps and feel free to ask me any other questions about this. Mickey