'94 Radio connectors (vehicle side)

[harriw]

Hey folks,

I'm going down to look at a '94 (4x4, 4.0, 5spd, ext. cab) this weekend and hopefully take her home with me, but am anticipating putting in a new head unit (my guess is '94 didn't come with a CD player). I already pulled the SONY from my old car, but am wondering what the vehicle-side connectors are like on a '94. Anybody know? I don't know whether it's the standard or premium radio.

I've already got adapters for my SONY to mate with the now-standard Ford pair of 8-pin black and gray connectors (came out of an '02 Focus), but I'm wondering if they had those back in '94, or if I need to mate to something different... The tech library shows a pair of 8-pin connectors for 94 (looks very similar between the standard and premium radios)... Am I in luck?

I'm perfectly comfortable soldering and heat-shrinking if necessary, but I like to have disconnects where-ever possible/practical too. Also makes it easier to put back in the stock radio if I ever need to.

Thanks a lot!

 

[Ranger SVO]

Yes they are the same.

 

[exbass94]

The truck will have a different connector than a Focus. You need to get a different adaptor.

Edit: I may be mistaken on that, but I do know that 1998+ Rangers have different connectors, and I assumed that most Fords have changed over by then.

I'm perfectly comfortable soldering and heat-shrinking if necessary, but I like to have disconnects where-ever possible/practical too. Also makes it easier to put back in the stock radio if I ever need to.

I strongly agree with this statement. In addition to the reasons you mentioned, it's just a heck of a lot easier to splice the 2 harnesses sitting at the kitchen table than it is in the truck! Also, the truck's colors may not match the new stereo's colors, and then you have to get the multimeter out and find out which wire does what.

Definitely buy the adaptor.

 

[harriw]

I thought of another idea - I googled for a '94 ranger radio harness, and what-do-you know - the harness that came up matches the one already on the radio that I just pulled from the focus. Looks like it should plug right in afterall.

I'll have to fix it up when I get home anway - previous owner installed this radio and adapter harness originally, and used chincy crimp-on barrel connectors But at least this way I can have a nice radio to listen to for the 7 hour drive home, and re-do it the right way in the comfort of my own garage once I get there.

Thanks a lot for the help guys!

 

[harriw]

Well I bought the truck yesterday. Just wanted to let everyone know that the plugs are the same in the '94 as my '02 focus had. Simple plug-and-play installation. Now I just need the install sleeve to hold the radio - the radio opening is a bit bigger than my standard-size head-unit.

Anyone have any tips on where to find a '94 Ranger radio install kit? I'm concerned walmart, pepboys, etc. might not have stuff sitting on the shelf for trucks this old...

Thanks!