5in to 8.4 doable?

[MedicAlex]

hey yall!
It’s my first post here so hello!
I’ve got a 2018 ram 1500 it’s the express 3.6 baby truck (I know I know shoulda got the v8) well I just didn’t need it for what I do!
Anyways. I’ve got the 5 inch uconnect touch screen and the single zone climate control. I’m wanting to upgrade to the 8.4 and I’ve heard back and forth on this.
If I order a 8.4 from a junked truck will it fit directly and if it will is it possible for me to access the dealer menus and everything I’ll need to activate it?
Anyone that’s done this please give me some good advice!
Thanks y’all I’ll be lookin forward to some helpful responses!


Ps. I don’t want to do the Tesla screen style and lose my microphone etc.

 

[1500ram12]

hey yall!
It’s my first post here so hello!
I’ve got a 2018 ram 1500 it’s the express 3.6 baby truck (I know I know shoulda got the v8) well I just didn’t need it for what I do!
Anyways. I’ve got the 5 inch uconnect touch screen and the single zone climate control. I’m wanting to upgrade to the 8.4 and I’ve heard back and forth on this.
If I order a 8.4 from a junked truck will it fit directly and if it will is it possible for me to access the dealer menus and everything I’ll need to activate it?
Anyone that’s done this please give me some good advice!
Thanks y’all I’ll be lookin forward to some helpful responses!


Ps. I don’t want to do the Tesla screen style and lose my microphone etc.

There is a ton of threads and posts on what is needed. Quick overview. If you only want to add the 8.4 it will fit behind your current bezel. All you'll need is the steering wheel controls which allmoparparts.com sells a complete kit for. Or do the complete upgrade (M2Mods sells all the wiring) and your find the complete list with a quick search


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[MedicAlex]

This is her

 

[1500ram12]

DIY: 2013+ RA3/RA4 8.4" Radio Conversion Upgrade
https://r.tapatalk.com/shareLink?sh...-Radio-Conversion-Upgrade.78289/&share_type=t


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[MedicAlex]

1500ram12

I have the 7 speed fan just single zone. I kinda get lost in all the post that he has done. More or less trying to get a gauge of how invasive this will be with only swapping the radio itself. Curious if I NEED the different face plate or if mine will work. And if I order one from car part, do I need an anti theft code ? Do I need to visit the dealer ?

 

[1500ram12]

Yes it will work with your current bezel. I believe since you already have a 7 speed fan the conversion won't be as hard. If you keep your current bezel you'll need the steering wheel controls to control the volume unless something has changed. I don't remember off hand if it's the vin from the truck the radio came out of you need for the security pin or if it's out of your truck. @Mpgrimm2 can answer any questions you have regarding the technical aspects of the swap.


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[clifford15]

You can replace the 5.0 with the 8.4
Search the classified section there often is one or two for sale.
The Uconnect WiFi and hotspot will not work but here is a way to defeat the error message.
You can use you original bezel but you will need steering wheel audio control to be able to change volume.
You may need the anti theft code so make sure you get it or the original vehicles vin so you can get it at your local dealer.
Otherwise it is pretty much plug and play.

 

[MedicAlex]

Thanks everyone! Huge help !
I’m gonna end up getting a radio from Gibbs
Harness from Grimm
And thanks to these guys this shouldn’t be a hard conversion!

 

[Athlium]

Hello, I just got an 2018 1500 Tradesmen and in the same situation. dug through all the forums and found this one that mirrors to my situation. I just want to get a bigger screen upgrade. would a 2020 8.4 work in 2018 since everyone is buying up all the 2018 radios?

 

[GTyankee]

I am certainly confused
The RA 1 had a 3" screen, ( if it is still an option )
The RA 2 radio has a 5" screen
The RA 3 A has a 8.4" screen
The RA 4 AN has a 8.4" screen with Navigation

The dash bezel for the 5" screen is much too small for the 8.4" screen

or am i wrong ?

Also, if i had a Smart Phone or a good GPS, like Garmin GPS with Lifetime Maps & Traffic, I would not have the RA4 radio
I find that my Magellan Truckers GPS is more accurate than my RA4 AN

Many drivers would not want a Truckers GPS, except someone that pulls a longer trailer

 

[Athlium]

I am certainly confused
The RA 1 had a 3" screen, ( if it is still an option )
The RA 2 radio has a 5" screen
The RA 3 A has a 8.4" screen
The RA 4 AN has a 8.4" screen with Navigation

The dash bezel for the 5" screen is much too small for the 8.4" screen

or am i wrong ?

Also, if i had a Smart Phone or a good GPS, like Garmin GPS with Lifetime Maps & Traffic, I would not have the RA4 radio
I find that my Magellan Truckers GPS is more accurate than my RA4 AN

Many drivers would not want a Truckers GPS, except someone that pulls a longer trailer

Just from my personal research,

The dash bezel for the 5" screen (RA2) is rounded while it might work with the 8.4 inch. it will look off, and there is no physical Vol control knobs from the 5" bezel as stated above.

most people are transitioning to the 8.4in screen radio just for the apple carplay/android auto feature found in the 2018 radios.

IF you are already used to a GPS setup, and don't mind it taking up space or having another screen to look at. Then I wouldn't go with the upgrade. My Father-in-Law personally prefer his garmin GPS and don't want to just rely on his phone nor does he want to have to learn another gadget. Everyone is different. You do you