Really Important truck features. :-)

spoon059 wrote:

PDX.Zs wrote:
Advantage Dodge? Not so fast. Their unit is replaceable, but requires MAJOR surgery and and aftermarket front dash replacement. Again, a punch in the neck should be mandatory here.

Not at all. Easy to disassemble the dash and there is simply a small and inconsequential metal bracing to remove (if you have the base radio) to allow a double din radio install. Super easy $16 install kit looks seamless. It takes 5 minutes.

Now... this applies to the base model ra1 or mid grade ra2 radio. No major surgery, no "front dash replacement" unless you are installing some custom shape radio... Replacing the 8.4 radio is more convoluted because the climate control and other features are built in to the radio (poor design in my mind... especially outside of warranty!)

For the newer Ford, I found this kit... https://pac-audio.com/catalog/radio-replacement/rpk4-fd2201 Looks like it replaces the 4.2" display with integrated climate control. More expensive and difficult... but at least an option.

I agree that its annoying that manufacturers are make such integrated radio's that are so expensive and difficult to replace. All the more reason that I enjoy "base model" trucks. Less expensive gadgets to replace.

Ah yes... Thank you I hadn't seen the PAC unit for Ford. For the small screen only. $400 MSRP. Geez... But seems to do everything right. Now here's where the options game comes in, as I think, but am not sure, that the big screen comes with some other options like power heated seats, and the like, but let me check it out.

I did the whole dash out thing twice last year. Even wired a new rear view camera on my daughters Expedition. Not hard or complex, but just s time.consuming pain in the butt. All that plastic is really designed for fast assembly once on the line. Not disassembly and reassembly in my garage.

Cheers!