Rangers & iPods

[TedS]

Hi Guys,

I have a 2002 Ranger 4 x 4 with a MACH Radio and CD player. I also have a year old iPod Nano which I would like to play through the Ranger's sound system.

I understand that there are basically two ways to accomplish this:

1. Buy a do-dad that takes the iPod's output and converts it into a low power FM signal so that the Ranger's stock radio can receive it.

2. Buy an appliance that plugs into the back of the stock radio that acts as an interface between the iPod and the radio.

It is also my understanding the option 1 is easier to install but the sound quality is lower so I tend to lean toward option 2 because it seems like a more solid and higher quality experience. I'm going to keep an open mind so if anyone has had a good experience with option 1 please let me know.

I have a couple of questions:

a. Can somebody recommend a brand name for such an appliance(s).

b. How easy are they to install. Especially getting to the back side of the radio?

Thanks,

-Ted

 

[BlackBII]

What you need is something like this, as long as your Deck has an Aux input in the back.

 

[tony314]

I don't think the 02 stock ranger radio has the connections. Mine doesn't and it is stock and odds are is the same as his.Best bet is to buy a new radio and put it in.Get a radio that has a USB port on the front so you can put music on a thumb drive and just plug it in.I got one for my mother for her birthday and it works perfectly. Only do 1500 songs at most and divide everything up into folders for easier access.

 

[Jay FX4]

I know it's not really the answer to the question you asked, but I agree with replacing the whole head unit. Aside from much improved sound quality, there are plenty of receivers out there with both front and rear USB/auxiliary inputs.
I've used a few different FM modulators, and they were all garbage.

 

[TedS]

That little jumper cord looks like a nice option but with my luck I doubt my radio will have the RCA jacks in the back.

So if I end up buying a new radio are there any particular makes and models that fit nicely in the Ranger dash?

 

[The Lone Ranger]

My face plate on the stereo has an "auxilary" plug in.

So i bought a cord that just has two of the plug in ends (like the end that plugs into the ipod from headphones...but the cord had one on each end)

Works good!

 

[GreatWhite]

if you headunit has the usb port I believe you can just use your ipod cord that goes to your computer directly into it

 

[04RangerFX2]

if you have a tape player you can buy a tape mp3 thing at walmart that one end goes into the tape player and the other end goes into the i pod head phone jack.

it has good sound quality. way better than the frequency thing.

and its cheap and will work till you can get a new head unit

 

[04RangerFX2]

does anyone know how to make it to where your i pod will work thru the stereo controls? so you dont have to use your ipod to change the song.

 

[Jay FX4]

does anyone know how to make it to where your i pod will work thru the stereo controls? so you dont have to use your ipod to change the song.

I loathe iPods, so I'm not positive, but I thought head units have to specifically have iPod controls built into the unit.

 

[willied]

Here is a nice stockish looking head unit with a USB and Auxilary port:

http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_17712_Panasonic+CQ-5800U.html

 

[GeorgiaBoy 87]

I bought a kenwood head unit from brandsmart with ipod control, works pretty good.

 

[GreatWhite]

my alpine plugs directly into my ipod charges it and you can control it from the headunit

 

[Chance]

my alpine plugs directly into my ipod charges it and you can control it from the headunit

Newer version of what I got. Love it, and the interface with the iPod is nicely done
http://www.alpine-usa.com/US-en/products/product.php?model=CDA-9887

 

[MountainMike]

I loathe iPods, so I'm not positive, but I thought head units have to specifically have iPod controls built into the unit.

I know my JVC has built in iPod controls, does your version?