What replacement radio will fit my '92 Explorer with the JBL system?

[festiboi]

Hey folks
The stock cassette radio from my '92 Explorer went out back in 2016. I've been driving the car in complete silence....for.....five......years.

I've kept hearing that the wiring is different for mine, equipped with the JBL system, and that the regular Explorer radios aren't compatible.

I don't want a modern, aftermarket radio that looks out of place, but can't find any used radios with the JBL setup

Can I use a regular radio from an Explorer, or a Taurus/F-150/Ranger/Escort from this era?

Or I've considered using a basic aftermarket radio that's not gaudy, like this one:
Amazon product ASIN B019QH6UJW
Or am I stuck with the JBL radio?

I'd have to get a professional to install the radio, as I wouldn't trust myself!!!

Thanks!

 

[Rick]

Here is a thread that deals with this issue in a 2nd gen Explorer.

Head unit replacement on JBL system

I was wondering if anyone else out there has attempted to install an aftermarket deck in an Explorer with a Premium JBL system. The truck is a 1996 Limited. The head unit turns on but there is no sound coming from the speakers (factory sub/door). The DVD processer for my head unit is attached...

www.explorerforum.com

 

[Roadrunner777]

Your best shot is to go to the audio section of this board and go through the three articles at the top of the list. It's all there. And yes, there is a catch, some Explorers have an external amplifier hidden in the back, some do not. But all of this is explained in those threads. If you are going to have someone do it, print out what applies to you from the threads and give it to your installer. And give them some advance notice, they will most likely have to order a few things, this is not a 30 minute job.

Explorer Audio & Navigation

Audio and navigation systems. CD, DVD, MP3, GPS, Video, Mobile Computer, Speakers, Amplifiers.

www.explorerforum.com

 

[ChildIdenticant]

have you ruled out having your original repaired?

 

[Flashflood]

Hey folks
The stock cassette radio from my '92 Explorer went out back in 2016. I've been driving the car in complete silence....for.....five......years.

I've kept hearing that the wiring is different for mine, equipped with the JBL system, and that the regular Explorer radios aren't compatible.

I don't want a modern, aftermarket radio that looks out of place, but can't find any used radios with the JBL setup

Can I use a regular radio from an Explorer, or a Taurus/F-150/Ranger/Escort from this era?

Or I've considered using a basic aftermarket radio that's not gaudy, like this one:
Amazon product ASIN B019QH6UJW
Or am I stuck with the JBL radio?

I'd have to get a professional to install the radio, as I wouldn't trust myself!!!

Thanks!

What my 91 had a jbl and the guy before me put an aftermarket in there no problem plus I could of done it with my eyes closed easy.

 

[toypaseo]

A bit of info here... Are All first gen radios a simple hookup??

 

[Nadams01]

Hey folks
The stock cassette radio from my '92 Explorer went out back in 2016. I've been driving the car in complete silence....for.....five......years.

I've kept hearing that the wiring is different for mine, equipped with the JBL system, and that the regular Explorer radios aren't compatible.

I don't want a modern, aftermarket radio that looks out of place, but can't find any used radios with the JBL setup

Can I use a regular radio from an Explorer, or a Taurus/F-150/Ranger/Escort from this era?

Or I've considered using a basic aftermarket radio that's not gaudy, like this one:
Amazon product ASIN B019QH6UJW
Or am I stuck with the JBL radio?

I'd have to get a professional to install the radio, as I wouldn't trust myself!!!

Thanks!

I'm sure the posted links go into more depth but the jbl system has a amplifier and problebly sub. When I went in to wire my radio using the stock wiring it was very hard to find the correct adapter as it has separate connections for signal to the amp. Then you wanna bypass the amp as well as it's gonna either suck compared to your head unit or introduce distortion. I just ran my own speaker wires

 

[Flashflood]

Okay I'll go into a little more detail. Basically what you need to do is check if it's not common ground if it's common ground your f....Ed those are a pain to deal with that's just my two cents.

 

[CreepingNet]

I put in a JVC KW-X250BT in mine a couple years ago - Bluetooth, AM/FM, USB, the whole nine yards. Trickiest part was finding the schematic for the JBL system. I'm still using the original amp and speakers from 1993....sounds great.