I am interested in doing a complete upgrade to my stereo system but have been told that because the head unit in the Lariat is linked to other features such as the Reverse system that the head unit should not be removed. Anyone else been told this? What features have you lost if you have changed your head unit anyway? Also wondering if any other Canadians have XM or Sirius radio or whether or not it is even possible to get it in Canada. Thanks for the input, I love this site!!

 

Just make sure you get a headunit with a mute wire for the rss. So that when you put it in reverse then it will still mute the stereo. As for the steering wheel controls you will need to get the adapters to make them work. But you will need a remote capable head unit. So in short if you purchase a headunit with a mute wire and remote capability then you will lose no functions.

EDIT: I have xm here in saskatchewan. But you need an american address to send the bills to. I think sirius will soon have canadian accouts.

 

Great to know that it is possible, can you recommend any head units in particular. How is your XM reception? Do you just have a friend in the US or is like the old satellite services where Canadian retailers arrange a US post office box for you? Thanks for your input!

 

My xm reception is great. I have a friend who just moved to Kentucky. I use her address. If i were to recommend a headunit i would say if you want mp3 capability and you plan on putting amps and subs and the such. The Pioneer DEH-P760mp is great. It runs about 399.00 at our store. I think List price is like $449.00. If you do go with a pioneer deck make sure you get the premier model. The Pionner premier has 2 year warranty as opposed to 1 and it has a few extra features but is basically the same thing. EX: Pionner model is DEH-p7600mp and the premier model is DEH-P760mp. I don't know what your looking to spend but the DEH-P860mp is also a great deck. Motorized face and color display but the price jump is alot. I think list price is like $879.00 The 860 is the deck i have in my car. I left factory in my 04 f150. If you want anymore info just e-mail me. I should be able to help you out. I am the installer for my shop.

 

Where can ya get the adapters to make the steering wheel controls? I bought a wiring harness already.

 

I got mine from Crutchfield. Its a PAC SWI-X . I've included a direct link to the unit. Mine works great. Just a couple of connections and then programming with the headunit remote. I've got some pixs of my stereo install on my site.

 

Did I read this right? When you put your truck in (R)everse, the radio/cd should mute? Mine does not mute am/fm or cd's when I go into reverse. Is this something that has to be "turned on" under the radio's menu options?

BTW, my headunit is an audiophile/changer/mp3 which does NOT say .mp3 on it, and does not play .mp3s either.

 

thw420,
If you don't have the Reverse Sensing System (optional item with tow package) on your truck, the stereo will not mute. When the sensors detect an object behind your truck (in reverse), your stereo volume will decrease substantially to allow you to hear the warning beeps.