Replace/upgrade factory audio unit

[Douglas Stout]

I have a 2002 ST and need to replace the factory radio/CD/cassette (my son was moving some stereo equipment, a speaker came from the rear seat and smacked the faceplate of the radio - display shattered!) Do I need to stick to the radio/CD/cassette or can I upgrade to a CD6 unit? Are there wiring modifications necessary or will the CD6 plug in and go?



If this is not possible, are there any aftrmarket CD6 dash units anyone would recommend?



Thanks,



Doug

 

[Todd Z]

It is plug and play , you can just get the 6 cd and install it....



Also try to get one from an late 04 and 05 so you can get the MP3 playback...

As far as aftermarket, I am of no help there...

Todd Z

 

[Adam Smith 2]

The first thing I do with a new vehicle is replace the head unit with a quality aftermarket one like Pioneer or Alpine. Even keeping existing speakers, the difference in sound will be huge. My wife's '03 Focus technically has MP3 capability in the stock head unit, but the MP3 handling is sluggish, not super compatible, no WMA, VERY rudimentary folder and track navigation, no cue/review on MP3 files, etc. It's crappy in both functionality and sound quality.



I don't know if there are aftermarket in-dash 6 disc changers. I can't remember seeing one. With aftermarket gear, the head unit usually has a cable link to an external changer that you would hide under a seat or in your console box between the front seats.

 

[joey reed]

Pioneer makes a 6 disc indash cd/dvd and lcd but its double din and would require mods to fit the unit is super nice and runs around a grand on ebay

 

[Ron N]

If you are looking to keep the factory radio from ford, here is a sight that sales rebuilt units and it tell you what different ones will and will not fit the sport trac._Ron

 

[Adam Smith 2]

Of course this is just my opinion, but I think you would have to be absolutely MENTAL to spend more than $50 for any Ford Factory Stereo. If you're going to drop the kind of cash that replacementradios is looking to get, buy an Alpine CDA-9856 and be much happier overall. Once you have MP3 capability, you won't need 6 discs because you can get more than 6 audio discs worth of music onto one MP3 CD-R.



Installing an aftermarket head unit is a little more work than a factory drop-in, but it's not more than an hour job and it's so worth it. The most time-consuming step is making the wire adapter. You take the wire harness that comes with the new stereo and a Ford wire harness from the stereo store, and you mate all the corresponding wires (some of which will go unused). I twist the wires and solder them, then put 1.5" of shrink wrap over the join to make a neat, reusable adapter. The rest of the install is just a matter of snapping things into place: the dash DIN adapter and the metal sleeve that holds the new head unit.



The only thing you lose with an aftermarket unit is the use of the rear console controls. Then again, your new head unit will have an IR remote control, so no real loss there.

 

[Mark Tomkiel]

I just replaced the factory radio in my girlfriend's 04 w/ an aftermarket double din. If you're interested we can sell you her factory radio. It's the single CD player version. Make an offer.

 

[TomT]

I agree with Adam. I replaced my factory oem stereo immediately with a new head unit and better door speakers. Later added amp and sub. Of course I realize some people just aren't into music and may just use the radio for listening to talk shows. If that's the case then look for someone selling their oem unit on ebay cheap. I would give you mine but if I ever sell the Trac then I will probably want to save my Alpine stuff and replace it with the oem crap.