Replace 1997 stereo with 1998 stereo or Mach?

[Supernaut]

Hi - I have a 1997 supercab, 4.0 4x4. My tape deck died. I already replaced the speakers and they sound pretty good. I was wondering if later head units, like the 1998 Cassette/CD or Mach stereos are plug and play?

Also, with any of those options, how do I connect a sub woofer? The low profile subs come with built in amps. Will that be easier to hook up than a separate amp and sub?

Thanks.

 

[RonD]

Welcome to TRS

Good page to Bookmark for Ranger stuff: https://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/index.shtml

In the interior electronics section you will see Radio wiring diagrams: https://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/radio_wiring_diagrams.shtml

Rangers came with two and sometimes THREE different audio system options most years
So you have to know what system your 1997 has before you can find out what other years might be plug and play

At first glance I would say no on the basic model, 1997 used two 8-pin connectors, 1998 one larger 16-pin connector


Most powered Subs can be hooked up to SHARE a speaker wire, it should show that way to set it up in the on-line instructions
You want to SHARE both a left and right speaker(channel) to the sub, so 4 wires PLUS 12v and ground wires

That's about the only way to add sub to stock Ranger system

 

[55trucker]

The only direct fit * no alterations* head unit I know of that will fit your dash would be the later models 6 cd/mp3 changer. Pioneer supplied some of them *depending on year*. Some had the aux feature built into them. It's a direct fit.
I have the one shown in my 98.

my original head unit was this......