The stereo replacement was the first project I really started, but took a while to complete. The issue I ran into was finding speakers that would gracefully fit inside the factory speaker grill in the dash.

Head Unit⌗

I opted for a fairly simple and cheap unit, the JVC KD-X280BT ($97.98), which has basic radio plus modern bluetooth capabilities. It is a single-DIN “digital media receiver” - meaning that it is a normal thin height and is also not too deep, as it doesn’t need to accomodate CDs/DVDs. It is essentially identical in dimension to the factory unit.

head unit in dash

It was pretty simple to get the factory cover off, then find the 4 screws to unmount the bracket. Two of the screws are pretty deep and required a longer screwdriver, so a little harder to work with. The new stereo came with an optional quick-release bracket (to remove the radio without screws), but that didn’t seem to fit gracefully, so I just installed it in the traditional manner.

I did watch the how-to video from Oh Kei Garage, which was helpful to understand what to expect.

I know Oh Kei Garage has a wiring harness, which would have been nice, but I just matched up wires and used a heat gun and heat shrink self-solder connectors, using the KS4 manual to help me sort out which wires to connect to which.

If I did it all over, I’d consider going with a RetroSound option to better match the original aesthetic, though it would cost a bit more.

The head unit also came with a mic for bluetooth phone calls. I routed that under the dash and up to the sun visor.

microphone

To manage and hide the wire along the windshield/column, I just found some black duct tape and cut some narrow strips and laid it down as neat as I could. It is “good enough” but a tiny bit sloppy if you look too close.

mic wiring

Speakers⌗

For now, my goal is simply to replace the existing 4x6 in-dash speakers. The truck came stock with just the mono AM radio and a single right-side speaker, but the empty slot and grill exist for the left speaker.

I originally ordered a set of Rockford Fosgate speakers naively thinking that any 4x6 should fit. They were too wide, and possibly too deep. So I had to do some research and a support chat w/ Crutchfield to find the lowest profile option I could, which was the RetroSound R-463N ($85.99).

The RetroSound option physically fit, but the holes still didn’t line up, so I had to drill some new ones, then find some screws from my own stock that would work. That worked and the factory grill fit over just fine.

speaker mount location

Overall Impressions⌗

This setup seems just fine. My goal wasn’t anything approaching audiophile-grade, the truck is noisy enough as is, and it isn’t my daily driver. So I’m happy with it - pretty basic sound, very little low/mid. If I get frustrated by it over time, maybe I’ll look into a sub down the road.

The head unit seems to function fine in that it reliably pairs with my phone and has decent controls, i.e., a physical volume knob and radio preset buttons. A few of the phone controls aren’t super intuitive, but I’ll get used to it.