2008 OEM Stereo Compatible with a 2004

[WJGreer]

Howdy all, first post. I just acquired a 2004 XLT.

I am looking for a solution for iPod connectivity (and maybe bluetooth). There are a few DD head units on Crutchfield that will fit the bill nicely @ about $350. But - now and then I see an OEM head unit from a new model on eBay.

This is a third vehicle for us, so I cannot justify a large audio investment. Priced as these generally are, it would be a nice cheap solution to give me an auxiliary input, maybe a 6-disc changer, and perhaps a slighly better sounding head unit. The one in my '04 is the stock single CD unit, and it is a little anemic.

But...I would only try this if the 2008 head unit would plug and play into the 2004 XLT's space. Same mounting approach, same modular plugs, etc. If not, the time required to make it work changes the value proposition for me.

Any opinions?

 

[symon_say]

Just get and aftermarket HU, pioneer or kenwood have some cheap HU that will sound nice than those OEM and will be cheap, plus you'll USB and ipod capability.

 

[RegularJoe]

The Pioneer 4000IB has a USB cable built in just for connecting IPODs or Flash drives. They are about $160 or so.

 

[jrford]

If you have the Rear DVD, Steering wheel controls and you want to keep them, then OEM is the best bet. Between 2004 and 2008 the harness is different. Someone wired one up using two aftermarket adapters when i checked a while ago it was like 25 for one and 40 for the other.

 

[Cobraguy]

I believe 2004 is a very odd ball year when it comes to compatibility. Adapters, etc seem to bypass that year. An aftermarket head unit may be your best solution if you don't have the overhead DVD option.

 

[jrford]

I believe 2004 is a very odd ball year when it comes to compatibility. Adapters, etc seem to bypass that year. An aftermarket head unit may be your best solution if you don't have the overhead DVD option.

I would agree in '04, what i have found out after countless hours of searching is the the base units used the older Black or World Plugs. The Audiophile of seem to use the newer grey plugs or Phase II. So when i upgraded my radio 4L2T-18C868-CA to Audiophile 3L2T-18C815-AF i had to get an '03 radio and everything still works. For my '04 the base unit i'm looking for '03 plugs harness while if i had the upgraded sound i'd look at '05's for adapters.
hopefully this helps . . .