Aftermarket Stereo install FYI
 

I just finished installing a JVC deck into my 03. Since I hate pulling out the deck, seeing what I need, chasing parts, blah blah blah, I thought I would post this:

The faceplate instructions called for the small cubby hole to be on the bottom, however, putting it on the top (deck on the bottom) allows for putting the white "guide" from the OEM unit on the back of the JVC unit. Now your aftermarket deck will ride on the same metal (tongue looking) peice that the OEM deck did providing a more secure mount than just hanging there from a plastic faceplate in a plastic dash.

The wire adapter wont be found at OReilly's or Auto Zone, they have long in line adapters, this one is a small cube with pins. I used Metra - Wiring Harness for Most 1998-2007 Ford, Lincoln, Mercury and Mazda Vehicles - IBR-WHFD3 from Best Buy. They intially called for a pn 71-1771, but the pics showed that as a female plug and I needed a male plug. The only thing that I was not able to retain was the auto dim when the lights come on. "Damn it, Jim! I'm a doctor not an electrician!"

Finally, my truck did not require an antenna adapter to plug into the JVC.

We have come A LONG WAY from finding the key on hot fuse, sticking the wire in, reversing the fader and/or balance when you guessed the OEM wire colors wrong and having to hacksaw your faceplate out because your OEM had two knobs and a small rectangular display. :rocking:

Would love to see pictures and thank you for the great info. This is a near future project for me too. seriously man great post.:c:

Here are a few shots of the install procedure. From the left: the Metra wire harness adapter, the metal piece the OEM stereo rode on, said alignment piece, and the final install with the deck on bottom and hole on top.

thank god that when i bought my truck it already had one previously installed:ok1: