No clock/CD display

[pwkunde]

I just bought a '98 Explorer. The radio still works, but the CD/clock display doesn't. I've heard this is a common problem in the '97 and '98 models. Clearly it's going to piss me off until I fix it. My questions:

- I'm assuming the radio is bad and that it's not just a fuse. Please correct me if I'm wrong (I hope I am).
- Is it easy enough to find a used stock CD/radio from another Explorer and just switch it out?
- Are there other models that would have the same double DIN CD/radio deck (i.e. Ranger)?
- If I wanted to be safe, could I find a CD/radio from a '99-'01 Explorer and plug that one in without any problems? I've heard those years don't have as many problems.
- Will I have to worry about security codes (?) if I use a deck from another Explorer?
- Is this even worth my time? Or should I go with an aftermarket?

Thanks in advance for your thoughts. I'm a poor grad student trying to save some dough and I appreciate all of your help.

 

[pwkunde]

Forget it. I just found the amazing sticky posted above on how to get this bad boy repaired. Thanks anyway.