Can the headunit be replaced?

[fv9]

I have the 8in screen coming in my 4 door black diamond. I’ve been reading a little bit about upgrading the system and it seems the stock hu may not be ideal. I’m wondering if it makes sense to replace it and, while I’m at it, try and find something that would fit like the 12in screen. Just kinda spitballing here. Of course, there may be things the stock hu does that an aftermarket upgrade couldn’t do. I have a 2/7/22 build date so am starting to think about what I may want to do.

Love to hear your thoughts!

Sponsored

 

[710-oil-614]

I would say not worth it only because you're likely to lose Sync4 and access to options through the OEM head unit - unless you're pulling some next level stuff and are able to replace the unit while maintaining factory software.

I'm sure it's possible - I'm just not sure it is worth it.

 

[fv9]

I would say not worth it only because you're likely to lose Sync4 and access to options through the OEM head unit - unless you're pulling some next level stuff and are able to replace the unit while maintaining factory software.

I'm sure it's possible - I'm just not sure it is worth it.

I have very little knowledge of audio setup so not doing next level stuff. Just want to have decent audio and it sure sounds like people are having troubles achieving that.

 

[Theowlhoothoot]

I have very little knowledge of audio setup so not doing next level stuff. Just want to have decent audio and it sure sounds like people are having troubles achieving that.

Just upgrade your speakers first then decide if it's worth it. We did all around focal upgrades and it's acceptable now.

You could go full custom with amps to drive the speakers, but I also couldn't find a great writeup on that install or an harness adapter for the OEM unit.

 

[fv9]

Just upgrade your speakers first then decide if it's worth it. We did all around focal upgrades and it's acceptable now.

You could go full custom with amps to drive the speakers, but I also couldn't find a great writeup on that install or an harness adapter for the OEM unit.

I’d like better speakers and a sub of some sort. That’s going to require an amp. Hopefully crutchfield will get this figured out.

 

[Exomodo]

I'd just as soon go Icon 4x4/Jonathan Ward on it and install a secondary hidden signal processor to feed a divorced system and leave the OEM display in place, possibly line converting the speaker outputs as a tertiary source...

 

[Murph914]

Swapping the head unit is going to be expensive and will not affect audio quality. Replace speakers, then add amplification, then sound deadening, then a sub, then more subs and speakers. Budget $150 to $15,000.

 

[Tricky Dick]

I have seen people upgrade from the small screen to the big OEM one on other Fords. I haven't seen that anyone has successfully (or even unsuccessfully) done a Bronco yet.

 

[Theowlhoothoot]

I’d like better speakers and a sub of some sort. That’s going to require an amp. Hopefully crutchfield will get this figured out.

That's easy, you can splice into the front speakers and run it back to the amp location. No harness needed.

 

[B A C N O W]

I have very little knowledge of audio setup so not doing next level stuff. Just want to have decent audio and it sure sounds like people are having troubles achieving that.

Dude! You can have a kick-ass system while utilizing the OEM head unit (replacement is seriously NOT an option)!

1) Get a premium LOC or line driver (i.e. Audio Control LC7i)
2) Select a premium multi channel amp (i.e. JL Audio, Kenwood, Kicker..etc)
3) Select premium replacement speakers for kick panel, dash and rear pods (i.e. Focal, Audio Frog, JL Audio, Kicker, Infinity etc..)
4) Select a discrete powered Subwoofer or Sub enclosure (i.e. Kicker)
5) Select a HIGHLY rated installer! (The install is fairly simple but replacement trim parts are nonexistent…for now)

Notes:
- you’d have to purchase all this equipment anyway if you somehow managed to replace the OEM head unit.
- buy premium parts and never look back! Buy once, cry once!
- You can have a system that blows that crappy B&O system out of the water for $1k -$2k

 

[fv9]

Dude! You can have a kick-ass system while utilizing the OEM head unit (replacement is seriously NOT an option)!

1) Get a premium LOC or line driver (i.e. Audio Control LC7i)
2) Select a premium multi channel amp (i.e. JL Audio, Kenwood, Kicker..etc)
3) Select premium replacement speakers for kick panel, dash and rear pods (i.e. Focal, Audio Frog, JL Audio, Kicker, Infinity etc..)
4) Select a discrete powered Subwoofer or Sub enclosure (i.e. Kicker)
5) Select a HIGHLY rated installer! (The install is fairly simple but replacement trim parts are nonexistent…for now)

Notes:
- you’d have to purchase all this equipment anyway if you somehow managed to replace the OEM head unit.
- buy premium parts and never look back! Buy once, cry once!
- You can have a system that blows that crappy B&O system out of the water for $1k -$2k

I was thinking of a $1500 budget so good to know. Thanks!

 

[B A C N O W]

I was thinking of a $1500 budget so good to know. Thanks!

Here is a tremendously helpful 40 page thread that will assist you in this matter:

https://www.bronco6g.com/forum/threads/base-sound-system-upgrade-build.18480/

 

[fv9]

Here is a tremendously helpful 40 page thread that will assist you in this matter:

https://www.bronco6g.com/forum/threads/base-sound-system-upgrade-build.18480/

Think we need a sticky that breaks it down.

Sponsored