Replace with more modern double din. Kit or no kit?

[justinae]

Considering replacing my OEM with an aftermarket double din. I looked all over and it's unclear if/how a double din kit is required. Metra says there are two kits available (see pic) for 4" double din and the 95-5817 says it needs "Sub-dash modifications are necessary to gain suitable depth and height". I'm looking at buying a used head and wondering if anyone has installed a used double din and dealt with this.

 

[Curious Hound]

I only have some general comments based on my experience with a 97 F150.

First, check Crutchfield and see what they say about futment and adapter kits.

Second, on the F150 I mentioned, Ford did some funky stuff with brackets inside the dash. So, the upper part of the opening is not as deep as some head units require. That is, from the front of the opening to the back of the hole (closer to the firewall). I did some cutting, grinding and filing to make my radio fit that truck. It's not horrible.

Third, since I did that installation, roughly 5 years ago? I have seen more head units advertised as requiring less depth. Some are even stepped so the upper half isn't as deep as the lower half. You can watch for this when shopping.

 

[fastpakr]

I’d get the 5600 kit. The modification is minor and you’ll never notice it afterwards.

 

[SenorNoob]

Modern aftermarket radios have less depth in general without the need to house a CD player especially. If that works for you look for "Digital Media Receiver".

 

[runnr548]

I am going to install a slim depth double din head unit in our 2003 Ranger after I perform a bit of maintenance. I will post which one I purchase as soon as I decide.

 

[lowspeedpursuit]

The Metra -5817 is ass. It sticks the radio face almost an inch back from the front of the dash for no good reason.

I'm running American International FMK552 per old threads on here or explorerforum or something.

The Metra -5600 looks more-or-less the same.

 

[rubydist]

I put a double din radio in the 09 when I had it. You have to trim the bottom of the factory face place almost half an inch on the bottom because the opening is that much smaller than the double din. It leaves a not very nice looking opening right above the heater controls.

I put a 1.5 din in the 01 that I have now. If fits perfectly. The only issue that that the only choices of 1.5 din are cheap android units from Amazon or similar. The one I picked works great and has wireless android auto and I am happy with it.

 

[fastpakr]

I put a double din radio in the 09 when I had it. You have to trim the bottom of the factory face place almost half an inch on the bottom because the opening is that much smaller than the double din. It leaves a not very nice looking opening right above the heater controls.

I put a 1.5 din in the 01 that I have now. If fits perfectly. The only issue that that the only choices of 1.5 din are cheap android units from Amazon or similar. The one I picked works great and has wireless android auto and I am happy with it.

Weird. It’s been a few years but I don’t remember nearly that much trimming on my 99.