Standard stereo-sized, single-DIN head units measure 2 by 7 inches. Taller stereo units, or double-DIN stereos, are commonly used for trucks, SUVs and luxury vehicles with navigation systems installed. You can install a double-DIN stereo deck into your 2002 Ford F-150 by inserting a faceplate adapter to enable the new deck to fit within the vehicle's dashboard. You can elect to have the new unit installed professionally, or save money by installing the double-DIN deck yourself.
Pull the hood release lever under the driver's-side dashboard. Move to the front of the truck and lift the hood. Loosen the bolt on the negative battery cable with the wrench. Remove the cable from the battery terminal and set it aside. Move back to the inside of the Ford.
Pry the panel surrounding the stereo unit away from the dashboard with the trim panel removal tool. Slide the Ford DIN removal tools into the holes at either end of the stereo deck. Pull outward on the tools and slide the stereo from the Ford's stereo dock.
Disconnect the stereo wiring and antenna cables from the backside of the factory stereo. Set the stock unit aside.
Insert the double-DIN stereo faceplate adapter into the Ford truck's vacant stereo dock. Pull the stereo wiring and antenna cables through to the front of the dock. Plug the stereo wiring connectors into the wiring harness adapter leads.
Plug the wiring harness adapter lead connectors into the outlets on the rear panel of the new stereo deck. Slide the deck into the faceplate adapter until it locks into place.
Replace the dashboard panel over the new double-DIN deck and press firmly around the edge of the panel to snap it back into place onto the dashboard. Return to the truck's engine compartment.
Place the battery cable clamp on the negative battery terminal. Tighten the bolt on the cable's clamp with the wrench and close the Ford's hood.
