Just got a Kenwood ddx7019. Never have installed a HU before I am looking for some tools I may need. I have:
-Dash kit
-wire strippers
-heat wraps for wiring

Do I need a wiring harness?

How do you remove the dash to get at the stereo components I have a 07 s-crew?

Thanks for any input guys.

 

You are going to need a wiring harness. To get the stock radio out you need to pull on the surrounding cover and then theres 4 bolts.

 

If you bought it from Crutchfield (Like I would highly recommend), you get everything you need to install the system perfectly (Minus the hand tools).

Wiring harness for a Ford application is a definite must in my opinion. Makes everything a lot easier.

 

Dash Kit (Metra makes a real clean looking one for our trucks) MET 99-5812
Wire Harness (MET 70-5521)
Antenna Adapter (MET 40CR10)
Wire Strippers
Solder
Soldering gun
Heatshrink

 

I would recommend the wiring harness. It really saves a lot of time and work. I chose to solder the harness to the HU and heat shrink the joints the night before the install. I'm glad I did, it left in install time of less than 15 minutes. I was really surprised at how easily it all worked out - I also got my kit from crutchfield. I had installed power windows and locks into another car a few years back, that took me like half a day.....so I was stoked how well the HU went in my truck. Good Luck and take pictures!

 

x2 on all counts. the metra kit is worth getting, my scoshe kit fell apart.

my HU install was my first time soldering, and having the wiring harness made it real easy.