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.