Swapping the 8.4 to a Kenwood Double Din - What Dash Kit?

[xSH0WT1M3x]

Hi everyone, this is my first post!

What Dash Kit are you audio guys using to go from the 8.4 Uconnect head unit to a Kenwood (or any other) standard double din head unit?

Scosche CR1297DDB Dash Kit

Ive heard not so good things about this kit, mainly due to the knob (pin) removal process.

Is there a kit that I can use while retaining the current factory shroud. Like an insert that fits in the current factory 8.4 opening?

https://www.amazon.com/Metra-95-651...988414&sr=8-4&keywords=2017+ram+1500+dash+kit

This looks like it would fit in the current 8.4 opening but not sure. Any feed back would be appreciated

2017 Ram 1500 with 8.4 Uconnect Alpine system (hate it as does everyone).

Ive got all of the iData link Maestro equipment, so Im ready to go!... almost lol.

Im car audio savvy, the overall process seems straight forward. I just dont want to trash the current dash kit if it can be used.

Thank you for the assistance!

 

[Danny Vee]

im also looking to upgrade stereos. Have you researched whether the new stereo is compatible with the trucks settings. Like changing the back up sensors, horn sound when doors lock etc

 

[xSH0WT1M3x]

I will be doing the full install all day tomorrow. I will have all answers when completed. Im diving into somewhat unknown territory. Ive read lots of threads which brought up many more questions in my head. Only one way to find out, I will let you know how it all goes. I’ll post up a new thread tomorrow.

 

[joshuaeb09]

I used the Scosche full on replacement kit and it looks like the truck was designed to come with a standard double din factory now. The knobs were a bit tricky, but once you get the hang of it its pretty easy. That Metra kit looks like the one to replace a UConnect 5.0 and not an 8.4.

 

[LumberJakl]

Following, I want to replace my 8.4 on my 2017. What head units did everyone go with that still has the SirusXM, backup camera, and heating / cooling controls

 

[joshuaeb09]

Following, I want to replace my 8.4 on my 2017. What head units did everyone go with that still has the SirusXM, backup camera, and heating / cooling controls

To retain SXM you'll need a new SXM tuner for your radio of choice (Will require moving your sub over) and you'll have to determine if you want to use the stock antenna for GPS or for SXM as the stock radio's use them for both. Since I don't much care for SXM I just got the proper adapter made for my Alpine and used it as my GPS antenna(Ebay China sellers have all sorts of custom RF adapters available cheaply, but the shipping blows). I guess you could also try to create/have made a custom antenna splitter, but I'm not sure how well that would work out. I used an Alpine iLX-207 with the iDatalink maestro which retained all my HVAC controls and my factory backup camera. The Alpine isn't the best when it comes to changing the factory settings, but I mainly used it so I could also use their little powerpack in-line amplifier and I don't even spend much time dealing with the factory settings outside of HVAC which works reasonably well. From what I've seen it looks like the Kenwoods have a better iDatalink integration and HVAC interface and was going to be my original choice before I went with the Alpine.

 

[xSH0WT1M3x]

I will post up a review in a new thread and will answer any questions that will follow. Kenwood idata link intergration is flawless, no missing features at all. I will say though that the install was hell. It’s was brutal. I only reccomend if you truely hate your current 8.4 set up. Not just “oh I hate it”. I’m talking like sith lord I’m gonna build a death start kinda hate. The install is that painful.... but worth it.

 

[2010 Infantry Vet]

I will post up a review in a new thread and will answer any questions that will follow. Kenwood idata link intergration is flawless, no missing features at all. I will say though that the install was hell. It’s was brutal. I only reccomend if you truely hate your current 8.4 set up. Not just “oh I hate it”. I’m talking like sith lord I’m gonna build a death start kinda hate. The install is that painful.... but worth it.

So did that mounting kit fit your 8" alpine screen?

 

[xSH0WT1M3x]

Yes it is the correct kit however it’s junk. I had to sand the holes that the knobs go into as they were cut just ever so slightly too small. Just to clarify, the kit coverts from an 8 inch screen to standard double din. It looks perfect now that it’s insalled but lots of little issues with the kit itself. I wish another company made the same thing just better quality.

 

[rwreuter]

Please post some before and after pictures.

 

[TEC Tactical]

I bought that for my truck with the 5.0" and it is for the

• 2013-up Ram 1500/2500/3500 trucks with out 8.4-inch touchscreen