troutspinner
Senior Member
- Joined
- Sep 9, 2014
- Posts
- 1,256
- Reaction score
- 435
- Location
- Gilbertsville, Pa
- Ram Year
- 2019 Big Horn Crew Cab
- Engine
- 5.7 Hemi
I am FINALLY getting around to replacing the factory 8.4 (RA3) Non-Alpine HU to an aftermarket HU. I know I am not the first to do so here but I thought I would create a comprehensive list of all of the parts required and any notes.
If you visit Crutchfield and enter in your vehicle info and then select a head unit, it will suggest all of the following parts to maintain FULL functionality with the vehicle.
iDatalink Maestro ADS-MRR Interface Module ("Brain" if you will to translate from your aftermarket HU to your truck)
iDatalink HRN-RR-CH3 Factory Integration Adapter (Wire Harness for our trucks to interface with the ADS-MRR)
iDatalink ACC-USB-RAM USB Port Cable (Adapter to maintain that the USB/SD Card Reader in the Center Console continues to work)
Scosche CR1297DDB Dash Kit (Bezel designed to fit the new HU Double Din Size)
Metra 40-EU55 Antenna Adapter (Antenna Adapter to continue using the old fashioned aeril antenna - not to be confused with the "Shark Fin")
Optional Items
iDatalink HRN-ANT-SAT1 iDatalink Maestro SAT1 if you are going to buy an XM module for your aftermarket HU. XM is built into your 8.4/RA3 or RA4 and a separate module is required although with this adapter you can use your existing shark fin antenna.
If you are adding amps, you'll also need Three (3) Sets of 2 Pair RCA Cables, sized in length to fit your amp(s) location. I really like the Knuconceptz Krystal Series of Cables as they seem to be a nice blend of quality and price but this is just my opinion.
A couple of notes and questions that could come to your mind
Most likely the aftermarket HU you buy will have some type of Bluetooth and require a Mic. I cannot find anything on the market to adapt the existing mic in the mirror to work with the aftermarket HU so you will need to use the one that comes with your aftermarket HU. If anyone knows of such a part, please chime in. I know that where there is a will, there is always a way to make it work but that is beyond the scope of plug and play.
The same goes with trying to use the existing Shark Fin for your new GPS Navigation / or Apple Carplay / Android Auto capable aftermarket HU. You will want to use the GPS puck that comes with the aftermarket HU.
You will have to cut a brace behind the existing radio to be able to insert your new HU.
If you do order from Crutchfield, they will price the above parts pretty competitively but you will pay more for the head unit. They do however offer fantastic support. I know for me, I scrounged around Amazon and saved a few on those parts just because I am in no rush and I have experience with iDatalink and aftermarket head units.
I'll update this post as I learn things.
If you visit Crutchfield and enter in your vehicle info and then select a head unit, it will suggest all of the following parts to maintain FULL functionality with the vehicle.
iDatalink Maestro ADS-MRR Interface Module ("Brain" if you will to translate from your aftermarket HU to your truck)
iDatalink HRN-RR-CH3 Factory Integration Adapter (Wire Harness for our trucks to interface with the ADS-MRR)
iDatalink ACC-USB-RAM USB Port Cable (Adapter to maintain that the USB/SD Card Reader in the Center Console continues to work)
Scosche CR1297DDB Dash Kit (Bezel designed to fit the new HU Double Din Size)
Metra 40-EU55 Antenna Adapter (Antenna Adapter to continue using the old fashioned aeril antenna - not to be confused with the "Shark Fin")
Optional Items
iDatalink HRN-ANT-SAT1 iDatalink Maestro SAT1 if you are going to buy an XM module for your aftermarket HU. XM is built into your 8.4/RA3 or RA4 and a separate module is required although with this adapter you can use your existing shark fin antenna.
If you are adding amps, you'll also need Three (3) Sets of 2 Pair RCA Cables, sized in length to fit your amp(s) location. I really like the Knuconceptz Krystal Series of Cables as they seem to be a nice blend of quality and price but this is just my opinion.
A couple of notes and questions that could come to your mind
Most likely the aftermarket HU you buy will have some type of Bluetooth and require a Mic. I cannot find anything on the market to adapt the existing mic in the mirror to work with the aftermarket HU so you will need to use the one that comes with your aftermarket HU. If anyone knows of such a part, please chime in. I know that where there is a will, there is always a way to make it work but that is beyond the scope of plug and play.
The same goes with trying to use the existing Shark Fin for your new GPS Navigation / or Apple Carplay / Android Auto capable aftermarket HU. You will want to use the GPS puck that comes with the aftermarket HU.
You will have to cut a brace behind the existing radio to be able to insert your new HU.
If you do order from Crutchfield, they will price the above parts pretty competitively but you will pay more for the head unit. They do however offer fantastic support. I know for me, I scrounged around Amazon and saved a few on those parts just because I am in no rush and I have experience with iDatalink and aftermarket head units.
I'll update this post as I learn things.