Forum newbie with 17 Ram 1500 Express

[B8man]

Hello All, I have a 2017 1500 Express with the little 4 inch screen radio. I was looking to upgrade to an aftermarket head unit but was told that in 2017 the head unit was integrated into different featured in the truck and that you could only use something like the Alpine restyle...not paying $3000 for a radio. So I see alot of stuff about lock picks, jail breaks, etc. Can anyone tell me if this is the right type of equipment to research or is it for something else? Any info provided will be greatly appreciated. Thanks. Also, anyone know speaker size on that truck...I have heard 6x9 in 4 doors, but crutchfield lists 5.25 and 6.5...thanks again

 

[TomT]

Based on what I see on Crutchfield, you can use most any aftermarket head unit. Personally I think those Alpine Restyle units are way overpriced.

Stop into a reputable stereo shop and see what they have to say. Make sure they are not an Alpine only dealer.

 

[BrIgthWte17Ram]

i agree with TomT spend time seeing which unit fits your needs, when I was a bass head years ago i'd spend hours on end just listening and doing research

 

[B8man]

I appreciate the replies so far, but I am still confused about what features will be lost from the factory. According to the dealer, this is the first year they wired it this way supposedly...

 

[adrianp89]

Made this thread for people in your shoes:

http://www.ramforum.com/threads/stereo-upgrade-maestro-rr-interface-fact-thread.122376/

 

[MADDOG]

Also check out MPGrimm's threads on electronic upgrades to these trucks. They might be helpful to you.

 

[B8man]

Excellent...will check it out...thx

 

[Graygoose]

And your all 6x9's. 3.5" in dash

 

[BiGMERF]

i have a 17 also and just finished redoing everything.. h/u, all the interior speakers, woofers and amps.... you dont need to use that overpriced alpine unit..

look at the pioneer double dins..

 

[FXCLM5]

The front doors have to be shallow mount 6x9, kinda rare. Due to the placement of the window bracket, this is why crutchfield only suggests a few or if none in stock 6x9 but has the other 5.25 and 6.5 readily available with 6x9 brackets.

You can be ghetto and just bolt the 6x9 in freely with air gaps and bottoming it into the window bracket, or you can build standoffs so the speaker will clear, just be sure they dont push the speaker too far past the door panel, or get shallow mounts.

 

[BJSwizzle]

Check out MpGrimm on here, he has a thread on here with instructions on everything you need to do!