Can I swap out my 4" radio for the 8"

[gocoxgo]

I have a 2014 Ford Explorer with the 4" radio screen and would like to know if I can swap it out with the 2014 Ford Explorer radio units with the 8" screen, any suggestions?

 

[Digitalgp]

There are kits out there to convert it. Infotainment.com makes conversion kits for the 8” screen with sync 2 & sync 3 however they seem very pricey, but if you look there you will be able to find what you need to scout from the local salvage yard.

The nice thing about yours is you can actually go aftermarket since you don’t have your hvac and all that integrated. Crutchfield.com is usually a good place to start.

 

[meisterhyde]

There are kits out there to convert it. Infotainment.com makes conversion kits for the 8” screen with sync 2 & sync 3 however they seem very pricey, but if you look there you will be able to find what you need to scout from the local salvage yard.

The nice thing about yours is you can actually go aftermarket since you don’t have your hvac and all that integrated. Crutchfield.com is usually a good place to start.

I also have the 14 with the 4" radio. I looked at most of the new facia kits and was just not impressed with reviews for their price.
While the HVAC are not integrated, the problem is that you can't just install an aftermarket. The actual stereo box is behind the HVAC controls, and the radio screen is just a screen, with now room behind it for a head unit.

I instead opted for a smart amp (Kicker 47KEY2004 KEY 4-Channel DSP Smart Amplifier, 4x50W) by kicker. Haven't installed it yet (burr outside), but hoping that I have room behind the facia for it to sit.

 

[Digitalgp]

I stand corrected then, but I swear I’ve seen it done before somewhere. Ford really likes to complicate things.

 

[Whey Cooler]

I also have the 14 with the 4" radio. I looked at most of the new facia kits and was just not impressed with reviews for their price.
While the HVAC are not integrated, the problem is that you can't just install an aftermarket. The actual stereo box is behind the HVAC controls, and the radio screen is just a screen, with now room behind it for a head unit.

I instead opted for a smart amp (Kicker 47KEY2004 KEY 4-Channel DSP Smart Amplifier, 4x50W) by kicker. Haven't installed it yet (burr outside), but hoping that I have room behind the facia for it to sit.

There is room back there or your glove box. I had gotten the little Alpine one to put back there...and then realized the Kicker one would be better due to the built-in DSP etc. It will definitely fit behind my 18 anyway. I had to do all the splicing myself as there was no T-harness when I installed. Yours has that option which I strongly suggest.

I'm not saying that I got everything spliced together and had two of them backwards...but if someone were to do that...it is a huge pain...

 

[meisterhyde]

There is room back there or your glove box. I had gotten the little Alpine one to put back there...and then realized the Kicker one would be better due to the built-in DSP etc. It will definitely fit behind my 18 anyway. I had to do all the splicing myself as there was no T-harness when I installed. Yours has that option which I strongly suggest.

I'm not saying that I got everything spliced together and had two of them backwards...but if someone were to do that...it is a huge pain...

Where can I find the t-harness. That is part of the reason I haven't done it yet, as it's 20-30 deg F here is michigan now andy garage is a semi-storage room.lol

 

[Whey Cooler]

Where can I find the t-harness. That is part of the reason I haven't done it yet, as it's 20-30 deg F here is michigan now andy garage is a semi-storage room.lol

2011 - 2019 Ford Explorer Model 4 OR 8 Inch Screen NON Amplified Base Model Radio Plug 'n Play Audio Harnesses: Kits

THIS LISTING IS FOR MY PLUG & PLAY AUDIO UPGRADE KITS FOR THIS VEHICLE . I OFFER MANY DIFFERENT KITS FOR ADDING A SUB , ADDING A 4 CHANNEL AMP OR ADDING A DSP AND OR FULL SYSTEM ETC . AS WELL AS MY PLUG & PLAY KICKER AND PIONEER 4 CHANNEL AMPS . I ALSO OFFER AUDIOCONTROL PRODUCTS THAT COME...

plugnplaykits.com

 

[meisterhyde]

2011 - 2019 Ford Explorer Model 4 OR 8 Inch Screen NON Amplified Base Model Radio Plug 'n Play Audio Harnesses: Kits

THIS LISTING IS FOR MY PLUG & PLAY AUDIO UPGRADE KITS FOR THIS VEHICLE . I OFFER MANY DIFFERENT KITS FOR ADDING A SUB , ADDING A 4 CHANNEL AMP OR ADDING A DSP AND OR FULL SYSTEM ETC . AS WELL AS MY PLUG & PLAY KICKER AND PIONEER 4 CHANNEL AMPS . I ALSO OFFER AUDIOCONTROL PRODUCTS THAT COME...

plugnplaykits.com

Haha, as luck would have it, I was chatting with this guy today. He can sell me the t-harness but has to create a special invoice as he only has the kit with the kicker amp setup on the website. $90 for me to cut my time in the cold by what, half or more! Hell yeah!

 

[Joe Stewart]

I purchased the kicker kit from him... very pleased. I had previously purchased the harness for sub from him.