New head unit for '04 Lariat S-Crew?
 

I'm getting ready to trade up to an 04 Lariat S-Crew from my 01 S-Crew and was wondering if there is anyone out there that makes a head unit replacement for these new trucks? I really have never cared for the factory units in these pickups, and I usually already have something better on hand anyway, but this new style that is contoured into the dash is a whole new animal.

Are there any aftermarket replacements for these things?

Only two ways to go in my eyes:

http://www.eclipse-web.com/products/avn/avn_top.htm

Or

http://www.kenwoodusa.com/product/pr...productId=2557

I hate single-din units in a double din opening... :mad:

Anyone ever tried to install the top one in a F-105, notably the 2004? I'd love to know how well it fits, as I'd like something a little sharper than the stock radio.

My other concern is that this would be a major thing for thiefs to target for theft.

The thing he never mentioned is the cost of those units. Both of those decked out are in exces of $2,000. Yes, thieves would target something like that.

I went with a slightly different config. I removed the panel that holds the cig lighter/reverse sensor on/off. Put a single din Alpine CDA-7998 in that hole. My deck flips over and looks like a removable face with the face off when not on. Then i'm putting a 7.5" monitor in the stock HU hole. You can do this much cheaper without as much bling hanging for everyone to see. Then you still have the DVD unit to mount and think mine is going where the ashtray is now. This is all in a flow through console FX4. I just really like the look of this setup and will have less than $1,000 wrapped up in it. There are quite a few of these setups posted in these forums.

True. You can actually get the KW unit for well under $1500 (a local shop was peddling them for $1200). The eclipse is superior as it really is an all-in-one unit and can be found for around that $2,000 mark. Tint your front windows or build a cover for the unit. Out of site out of mind... best security there is. ANY aftermarket part in site is theif bait.

Yeah, without crossovers, DSP, etc. Add the optional parts to that deck to get it half way decent and your into it for $2000.

In my eyes, there are only two HU manufaturers out there. Alpine and Eclipse.

I'm with you on that one! I wasn't all that impressed with the KW unit, but it is a valid option for the guy.. and cheaper...

Just had the Kenwood unit installed last night, and I'm pretty happy with it. Cost me $1000.00. Sure it'll be more if I want to add TV tuner or Satellite. Don't really care about Nav or Hd radio at this point. It looks good mounted in the dash and the picture is great. It does have me thinking about darkening the tint on the windows to limo levels though. One to keep the thieves away a little, and two, to keep it darker for daytime viewing.
BTW, another good thing about the Kenwood, is my insurance company covers it up to $1500.00 for no extra charge.

I know some don't like the single din to double din kits because they look cheesy and you're right, they do, but I've got a single din setup that I'm used to and that I really like so I'm probably going to go ahead and put it in the 04. It looked pretty decent in the '01 S-Crew, so it can't look that bad in the '04. I still have the kit that I used to mount it in my '01, but I didn't like it very much. Does anyone know of any decent looking mounting kits to mount a single-din head unit into a double din opening? If not, I'll just go with the kit I already have.

Regards,
Tom

Check out my gallery. I had the Eclipse AVN2454 installed for about a month. I decided to go Alpine because, I have a buddy that works for Alpine. He got me a great deal on a bunch of Alpine equipment.

https://www.f150online.com/galleries...4671-91447.jpg

I like the look of that!!

Well, I tried, but couldn't figure out how to post pics. You can look here:
http://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gall...&albumid=10985

<img src="http://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gallery/sizeimage.php?&photoid=47568&width=2">
<img src="http://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gallery/sizeimage.php?&photoid=47569&width=2">
<img src="http://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gallery/sizeimage.php?&photoid=47591&width=2">

Think i got it.

Did you notice any difference in sound? I noticed the all in one units have lower specs than the higher end 1 din units. At least that's what I remember reading.