Here's the deal. I didn't want to buy a Lariat because I don't like leather. Its way to hot in the summer, and way to cold in the winter. I didn't want my three daughters to burn their legs everytime they sat down on it.

So instead I bought a loaded XLT, but there are a few things I liked about the lariat that I wish my truck had. The instrument cluster, the leather wrapped steering wheel, wood dash trim, etc...

I have already ordered the new air vents, and am about to order a new steering wheel, but here is my question. The new steering wheel has the extra controls on it for volume and temperature. I know the temperature controls won't work because I don't have the right climate control system in my dash right now (maybe later ), but will it control the audio? It seems like ford pretty much lays the same foundation in all of the vehicles and its usually a matter of hooking up a wire here, or adding a relay there. My current cd player is the 6-disc that plays MP3's.

If I were to add the ford subwoofer, will it plug into this head unit? Does the ford sub come with an amp built in or will this also need to be bought?

When I buy the new dash cluster, I would also like to add the communications center. Other than the buttons I will have to add, is there anything else?

I have many many more questions, but will save them for another day, I need to go give my truck a bath right now.

Thanks in advance for any help!

 

some of the things you want are really unnecessary... ie steering mounted temp controls.


as far as the other stuff... go aftermarket. If you want wood dash kits and subwoofers, you can get way more for less money with non-Ford parts.

 

The more I look into it, the more I agree with you. I am going to get an aftermarket molded wood trim kit, and have bagged the idea of a couple upgrades.

 

I mean, nothing really wrong with steering mounted controls... from the factory. I just cant justify the expense of installation for the benefit you get.

wood trim and stereo upgrades are pretty common though and you should find ample selection at decent pricing.