What do I get??
 

hey,

I am hoping to get an answer to some simple stuff. I am pretty much completely new to this and have basically no idea what i am doing.

I would like to know what i have to do in order to install a head unit in my truck ('94 Ford Ranger). All it has right now is just the stock radio and cassette player.

I also would like to know if any head unit can go into any car....

All possible help is greatly appreciated.

dash kit, wireing harness, antena adapter. and fits a single din cd player and since its a ford im sure it fits a double din cd player also

Generally speaking, any unit could go into any vehicle. You have to determine whether or not your Ranger has a regular or double din head-unit.

You'll need a wiring harness, and perhaps a mounting kit. It will depend on the unit you decide to get, and what your vehicle already has. I'm sure there are couple decent audio shops you can go into that can give you some direction. Then come back here to determine if you're getting decent advice from those stores, or not.

If you plan on installing the unit yourself, you're going to need to know which wires are for what use from your factory wiring harness. There'll be some splicing of wires to get power to your new deck, and output to your stock speakers, and plugging in the antenna for your radio... Among other things. I would venture to say that a HU install in a '94 Ranger should be relatively uncomplicated.

Are there head-units that you've seen/heard that have peaked your interest?

I recommend the Kenwood Excelon KDC-x592. Though, it may be more than you're looking for. Do you plan on a speaker upgrade and amplifier install? How bout a subwoofer. Determining where you would like to go with your new system will help you make a better decision when buying a source unit.

Wow. Lots of information in little time.

How do i figure out how big the DIN is or whatever? (give me some slack, im new:))

i haven't decided what kind of HU i would like. I was thinking that i would buy a used HU from someone, just so i have music right now. As for upgrading, i am not sure what i want. I am thinking that i would like to have a basic setup, with amp and speakers upgrades. I am really tight on cash and would like to get everything i NEED first. All the extras can come in later.

And as for the installing, i have a friend who said he would do it for free. He knows alot but i just want to figure some stuff out on my own, and try to understand it a bit more.

So what im trying to say is i dont want a insane setup thats costing hundreds of dollars... i am looking for a basic system...

No Dash kit or antenna adapter needed, Just a wiring harness. super easy vehicle. Just use ford keys, or cut and bend a wire hanger into 2 "u"s to get the stock radio out, wire up your harness. Plug it in..put the cage in..bend the tabs and done