Audio Upgrade & Modification Basics!

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anotherjoe

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When replacing the factory head unit with an aftermarket, how does one access the vehicle related settings that are set from the head unit?
 

Mpgrimm2

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When replacing the factory head unit with an aftermarket, how does one access the vehicle related settings that are set from the head unit?
Look into an iDataLink 'Maestro' interface and a compatible radio (for your 2014 truck?). I like pioneer, but from what I've seen posted Kenwood radios seem to work better with the maestro.
I personally upgraded my ra2 to the Ra4/8.4 radio.

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WilliamS

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Techauthority link is dead! Getting ready to wire in LOC and flying blind, please help! I have a 2014 Bighorn no amplifier with 8.4

Thank you.
 

Bke4044

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Ok I have a 15 3500 tradesman
Only has front speakers I was told can't upgrade to u connect 8 cause of factory wiring and programs
So any help would be great on what to upgrade to so I can get back door speakers also
 

ericjd23

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Ra2

I currently have the RA2 radio and I can't stand how small the screen is when looking at the backup camera. I'm looking to either change to the RA3 radio or a good aftermarket head unit that'll allow for an easy transition. Can anyone advise me where to go to get a gently used RA3 radio? Or suggest a good aftermarket alternative?
 

ms8091

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I currently have the RA2 radio and I can't stand how small the screen is when looking at the backup camera. I'm looking to either change to the RA3 radio or a good aftermarket head unit that'll allow for an easy transition. Can anyone advise me where to go to get a gently used RA3 radio? Or suggest a good aftermarket alternative?



I have a pioneer head unit that has car play and it is great. Works seem less and can add backup cameras, remote screens for DVD, etc. anything you want.


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Ram Night

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I replaced the oem rear door and dash speakers in my Rebel with Kicker 2- way speakers, and the sound quality is far superior than stock.
 

dlynch5412

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If i have the Uconnect 3.0 in my 2014 ram would i need to upgrade my head unit in order to sustain the quality of new speakers as well as an amplifier and subwoofer?
 

jgruberman

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Ideally you want to maximize the amp to run it at 1 ohm. Look at the the link below to see what woofer configuration you need to get to those specs.

I don't want to be "that guy" but to the best of my knowledge, this is incorrect. You want to run the amp at 4 ohms since there is ess stress on the electrical system, you get longer life from your amp because it wont be producing as much heat at 4 vs 1, and also there's better sound quality due to more resistance, which provides more control from the amp.

Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong, but as soon as I saw that I wanted to jump in and provide my two cents.
 

crazykid1994

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Audio Upgrade & Modification Basics!

Would a swap from a uconnect 3.0 to a uconnect 5.0 be just a swap? I'm looking for the touch screen capabilities as well as the larger display and would like to keep it factory as I don't have complaints on the sound. 2017 1500


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Mpgrimm2

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Would a swap from a uconnect 3.0 to a uconnect 5.0 be just a swap? I'm looking for the touch screen capabilities as well as the larger display and would like to keep it factory as I don't have complaints on the sound. 2017 1500


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Can't comment on the 2017 with 100% certainly yet (need to get access to the schematics), but on the 2013-2016 trucks it is definitely a yes. I don't believe anything significant has changed electrically other than another 3.0 uconect radio option.

You should likely be able to add in the steering wheel audio, VR Phone buttons, mirror with mics, etc too (or maybe even the 8.4 radio).

Hopefully someone with better access can confirm it, or you could be the first to try it!

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crazykid1994

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Can't comment on the 2017 with 100% certainly yet (need to get access to the schematics), but on the 2013-2016 trucks it is definitely a yes. I don't believe anything significant has changed electrically other than another 3.0 uconect radio option.

You should likely be able to add in the steering wheel audio, VR Phone buttons, mirror with mics, etc too (or maybe even the 8.4 radio).

Hopefully someone with better access can confirm it, or you could be the first to try it!

Sent from my non-flammable Galaxy S7!



Conveniently I have the vr and call buttons. Just no audio controls. And mic is next to the visor. It would be nice if it will work. I don't need anything to fancy like the 8.4. Hoping to snag a uconnect 5.0 when someone upgrades to the 8.4


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Mpgrimm2

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Conveniently I have the vr and call buttons. Just no audio controls. And mic is next to the visor. It would be nice if it will work. I don't need anything to fancy like the 8.4. Hoping to snag a uconnect 5.0 when someone upgrades to the 8.4


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Can you post a picture of your radio? Sounds like you have the new for 2017 uConnect 3.0.

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crazykid1994

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Can you post a picture of your radio? Sounds like you have the new for 2017 uConnect 3.0.

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I will upload one tonight


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Mpgrimm2

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I will upload one tonight


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Thanks. Do you know what the sales code is for your uConnect 3.0 radio, ie RA1, RA2, etc?

If you do swap to a uConnect 5.0, it should be a direct swap.

Also please let me know the PN of the 5.0 radio you get, especially if it's from a 2017 truck because I'm tracking the PNs in my thread ...
2013-2016 RA2/VP2-NA Radio Notes

M² Mods - From my non Flammable S7!
 

crazykid1994

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Thanks. Do you know what the sales code is for your uConnect 3.0 radio, ie RA1, RA2, etc?

If you do swap to a uConnect 5.0, it should be a direct swap.

Also please let me know the PN of the 5.0 radio you get, especially if it's from a 2017 truck because I'm tracking the PNs in my thread ...
2013-2016 RA2/VP2-NA Radio Notes

M² Mods - From my non Flammable S7!



How can I find out if it's ra1 or whatever it may be


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