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Putting in an aftermarket radio




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With a little trimming of the plastic around the opening and a mounting bracket that one will fit, but the rule of thumb is with a double DIN you can't go back to stock, with a single DIN you can. Possibly you will need an amplifier bypass as well.
 






[MENTION=293843]Arkbird443[/MENTION]
If you do decide to do it yourself, please post your results and maybe even photos if you can. I've got a '97 XLT that I need to do something with myself.

[MENTION=75839]drdoom[/MENTION]
It sounds like you've done this before? I notice you have an in-dash CB/Weather radio listed in your signature. Is it an in-dash unit that replaces the OEM radio or something else? CBs were very popular in years past. Is it still an effective way to communicate out on the trail? I have nothing in my truck now, just a cell phone, which isn't very useful in the back country.

Cheers,
 






Lonnie, I'll get a photo up later, but what I did is a single DIN stack, using a single DIN JVC Bluetooth media receiver on top, with a single DIN Cobra WX18 in dash with front firing speaker on the bottom.
 








IMG_20151207_162336082_1.jpg
IMG_20151207_162349362.jpg

The picture does no justice to how good this install looks in person. I will tell you the CB is a tight fit in terms of depth, but it fits fine. If there is such a thing as a 90° coax connector, that would help but is not crucial. Also the lower sides of the double DIN mount I coped those with a knife to match the profile of the CB's faceplate.

The receiver has Bluetooth, hands-free, Pandora, USB, AUX, and AM/FM. The CB has weather, scanning, and dual-watch. I have a FireStik door jamb mount at the hatch, which gives a mounting location just above a "tail light mount". On the mount I use a quick-disconnect, and alternate between a 36" Firefly and a 48" FireStik II, depending on conditions.

The coax I run through the taillight grommet, and on through the cab under the door sills and trim panels, on up into the dash. I cope out a small round notch in the top of the taillight housing so the taillight mounts back up tight without impingement of the coax. That I accomplish with a few strokes of a chain saw file on the plastic lip.

In closing, my opinion of AUX capability is that it's overrated & outdated. Sure, if you pony up for an updated HU of course you want it have an AUX jack, but personally there are so many better options i.e. Bluetooth, USB, SAT, or Pandora. I have AUX in all three of my vehicles and I can't recall the last time I jacked in. Of course if all you have is an old MP3 player, which I do, AUX is what you want. But with a smartphone paired to a Bluetooth capable HU you'll likely never use it. USB is probably my go to, and Pandora is excellent as well, so long as you're in a data coverage area. Otherwise yes I want it be there, but it will likely never be used. YMMV
 






[MENTION=75839]drdoom[/MENTION]
Thank you very much for posting the photos and the detailed information about the installation, antenna, cabling, etc. That's a very nice solution you have. I have the same year and trim level Explorer as you, so it is particularly appropriate for me.

Cheers,

Lonnie
 






Glad you liked it Lonnie. Best wishes.
Doc
 






If you are looking at stereo only consider Crutchfield. Their kits are completely plug and play. Very easy quick install.
 






Wcjeep +1
Crutchfield is a great company, with top notch service & support. They always make sure you have the proper installation hardware and wiring adapters.
 






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