Hey guys,

Finally ordered my Alpine 9883. ($169 with installation hardware and IPod cable, plus free shipping.)

Was wondering if anyone could give me a little heads up on what to expect. I've seen around the forums that it is a fairly easy install. I also know you need some sort of key to take the stock unit out... is there a universal kit I can purchase or do I need something Ford specific?

Any other hints/ideas ect. are welcome!

Thanks!

 

Your key is a 7mm socket. You have a new body not the old. Radios are different...

You should get everything in the installation hardware if from Crutchfield...

 

Yea I did order from Crutchfield after seeing a lot of posts here about them.

Another quick question:

For those of you with the single din unit that now has a cubby space below the radio, how did you route the IPod cable (Alpines connect in the back)?

I was thinking of drilling a hole through the cubby space so I'll have a place to put the IPod when I'm not controlling it, and easy access to the wire.

 

I just installed my 9885 yesterday and it sounds great. I also got mine from Crutchfield-it was on sale for $249 (originally $299) and it came with the free IPod cable, installation kit, and wiring harness. Install for the head unit alone took maybe an hour after soldering the connections. Low e red is right about the 7mm socket. Very easy install. Be really careful prying the radio trim off. Start at the bottom and work your way to the top. I just snaked the IPod cable to the back of the glove box and keep the IPod there-I didn't want to drill anything. I also wired up 2 10" Alpine subs in a Supercrewsound box powered by a Punch 75 (the amp fit perfectly in the dash behind and slightly below the head unit-I couldn't figure out where else to put it) and it sounds incredible. I had already replaced the factory speakers with Alpine units-all I need now is a 4 channel amp. You'll be surprised how easy it is to do.

 

Installed it last night and it went very smoothly!

A few questions:

Anyone know how to use the manual dimmer option? I have it set to manual, but don't know how to adjust it.

Also, HD Radio Ready... what do I need to get the HD stations?

 

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-8ilZIHq...p?i=500TUAT500

 

You use the panel dim for the truck...

If you increase the dim, the radio will dim with it if you hooked it up correctly.

 

I wired it exactly as it needed to be. Orange to Orange (Illumination/Dimmer).

I've read around and it seems like a few people are running into this same problem.

I've noticed when I have it on manual and I use the dimmer switch on the truck, the radio flickers when I lower the lights to a certain level, but regains its normal brightness once returned to the higher dimming setting.

Weird stuff, but it doesn't bother me much at all... so no biggie.