Will this radio work/fit?

[japple]

Hi everyone,

I just got a 2004 explorer xlt less than a week ago. I love the car, but the stock radio leaves much to be desired.

Last I checked, the dimensions for the stock radio are 7.5" wide and 4" high.

I found a Sony radio ( http://www.amazon.com/Sony-XAV-60-Dash-Touchscreen-Receiver/dp/B0032FOJQ6/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top ) that is 7" wide and 3.9" high (according to the website).

But you guys know a lot more than me. I'm looking for any and all input on this.

Thanks in advance,
John

 

[kstrayhorn]

Get a double DIN dash install kit.

something like this:
http://cgi.ebay.com/2006-Ford-Explo...stall-Dash-Kit-06-/230144067242#ht_947wt_1137

and you'll need an aftermarket stereo wiring harness adapter.

Bought both the install kit and adapter for $30, but mine was single DIN...

 

[japple]

....din?

Stupid question, but we all had to start somewhere...

Double DIN? What's DIN? And what's the difference between single and double?

I need to get either schooled or told what to do... My brother knows a lot more about this than me, but he wants me to pick what I want before he installs it. He won't pick anything because he's worried he'll pick the wrong one and I'll blame him. You know how that goes.

 

[kstrayhorn]

DIN means "Deutsche Institut fur Normung" it's a German something or other for measurements. All it does is tell the size. Single DIN kits are for the aftermarket radios that are just cd players, mine has a flip down/removable face. The link you showed is a double DIN radio because of the size of it, due to its screen being solid in the dash instead of flipping out like some of them do. pretty much, it is just the height of the radio. However, you might not need an install kit. Due to the factory radio being a double DIN, it might fit fine with the factory bezel. All the kit does is fill in the gap in the dash where the old radio was to where the smaller, new one is. Judging from the dimensions you listed, you will need the kit. Your best bet is to either wait for someone who has installed a double DIN to chime in, just order the wiring harness and radio, see if it fits, and if it doesn't, just order the kit, or, finally, order all three parts, and if you end up not needing the install kit, get rid of it. It just depends on if you mind possibly wasting up to $15.

 

[BigRondo]

You can go to Crutchfield and punch in your vehicle info and the head unit and they will tell you what you need for installation gear. Then you can buy the head unit from Amazon and the installation gear from Crutchfield or someplace else since you will know what you need to install it properly.