Ford F-250 and F-350 owners who choose to replace their factory stereo unit can choose between the more common single-DIN aftermarket stereo head unit (measuring 2" x 7") or opt for the taller double-DIN audio deck. For double-DIN unit installation, you need to ready the stereo dock to receive the larger deck. Use a double-DIN faceplate adapter to accommodate the unit. You can choose to have the new stereo installed professionally; or purchase the Ford DIN removal keys from the dealership or aftermarket car audio retail outlet, and do the job yourself.
Pull the hood release lever, located on the driver's side of the Ford truck under the dashboard. Move to the front of the truck, and raise the hood. Loosen the bolt holding the grounding cable clamp to the negative battery terminal with a wrench. Remove the cable from the battery, and set it aside. Move to the inside of the truck.
Grab the upper left corner of the trim panel that surrounds the stereo and climate controls. Pull the panel from the dashboard until the clips on the back of the panel release from the dash. Work your hands around the perimeter of the panel to remove it completely. Set the panel aside.
Insert the prongs of the two Ford DIN removal keys into the holes at either end of the factory stereo deck. Push the tools into the openings until they lock into place. Pull outward on the keys to release the mechanisms holding the stereo deck in place within the stereo dock. Pull the stereo from the dashboard, maintaining the outward tension on the DIN removal keys.
Disconnect the two white plastic stereo wiring connectors from the outlets on the rear panel of the Ford's factory stereo. Unplug the antenna cable lead from the input on the lower-right corner of the stereo's rear panel. Set the stock unit aside.
Insert the double DIN stereo faceplate adapter into the dashboard stereo mounting dock. The faceplate adapter will enable you to install the new unit into the irregularly shaped Ford dashboard stereo dock. Pull the stereo wiring and antenna cables from inside the mounting dock to the front of the faceplate adapter.
Connect the white connectors to the wiring harness adapter leads. See the adapter's manual for proper connection points. Plug the wiring harness adapter lead connectors to the outlets on the back side of the new stereo. Insert the antenna cable lead into the AM/FM antenna input on the back of the new double-DIN stereo unit.
Slide the head unit into the faceplate adapter until it locks into place within the Ford's stereo dock. Place the trim panel back over the stereo assembly, and press firmly around the edges of the panel to snap it back into place on the dash. Return to the truck's battery.
Place the grounding cable's clamp back onto the negative battery terminal post. Tighten the bolt on the clamp with the wrench and close the hood. Start your Ford Super Duty truck and verify the stereo's operation.
