Premium Sound

[robertc1024]

Hey Guys - Need a little help here. How do I know if I've got premium sound on my '88 Ranger? I've searched and know that there's an extra amp hidden somewhere, but is there any way to know without pulling things apart?

 

[Bondo]

It usually says "premium sound" on a little badge under the stereo.

 

[robertc1024]

Does the stereo look the same as a regular one? Mine's got a tape deck (what's that??) and fader/balance/bass/treble control knobs under that. I just want to put in some new speakers and a head unit that can talk to my IPod.

 

[That Baker Guy]

does it sound reallly good?
if it does you got premium sound

 

[Bondo]

The regular one has the tone/vol knobs on the right side, the premium sound (tape deck) has them underneath.

The wiring harness plug is probably different too. Not 100% certain though.

 

[Dusty_Ranger]

the amp is behind the head unit, the may be a acess cover in the metal part of the dash and its in there, my old 88 had it

 

[robertc1024]

Thanks - mine has no label but does have the controls under the tape deck so I guess it's got the premium sound. I'll pull off the access cover to be sure. I searched and saw somebody on here posted a picture of one a few years ago - but he said that it was under the passenger side trim panel behind the seat in his extended cab. Would the in-dash one look the same - it just looked like a PC board sandwiched between two perforated sheets of sheet metal and a bundle of wires going in and out.

I was going to buy a new head unit from Crutchfield and the question came up.

And 93Baker, Yeah - I knew I was going to get that one. It most definately does not have THAT kind of Premium Sound. LOL

 

[fastpakr]

AllanD would have a definite answer on this. You might try sending him a PM if he doesn't see the thread.

 

[robertc1024]

Will do - I knew he was the technical guru for mechanical things - now electronics too?

 

[4x4fun]

Will do - I knew he was the technical guru for mechanical things - now electronics too?

he's an all around force to be reckined with

 

[robertc1024]

Hey - cut me some slack. I've only been a member for less than a year. That one didn't take long to figure out though.

 

[Bondo]

Got me wondering, so I ran out to my 88 4WD with a flashlight, screwdriver and a camera.

Is this what you're looking for?

 

[robertc1024]

WOW - thanks Bondo - I'll check it out tomorrow - that stereo looks exactly like mine. Your dash however does not. Mine's got major cracks in the plastic etc. Your's looks AWESOME for a 20+ year old truck!!

 

[Bondo]

Too bad the fuel pumps dont work and the tranny is on its way out. LOL

Some old lady owned it for many years, and she took good care of it. Only 91,000 original miles!

 

[robertc1024]

Mine's mechanically tight and only got ~114k. I worked with both the PO's and the original owner kept logs of every oil change, gas fill-up, MPG per fill up etc. He was seriously anal about it. The TX sun just doesn't mix with plastic on the dashboard. Thanks for the pics though - I really appreciate it.