Hello, new here and have searched over an hour through the audio forums. I'm just got myself an 07 ranger and am wanting to install my old kenwood dnx5140 nav unit in it. I am curious about trimming the top part of the bezel and what kit to use to install it. I understand I need a mounting kit, I haven't bought it yet but I don't see where it would connect to inside of the opening. Anyone care to share their experience in installing a ddin unit in an 07 ranger? Again I have searched for awhile but never found exactly the right answers. Thanks in advance.

John

 

I installed a double din Pioneer into my 2010 ranger. I used the Metra 95-5600 Mounting kit and the Metra 70-1771 Harness (both available from Amazon.com).

I believe the 2007 ranger set up is similar. I had to remove the radio and the Benzel (two screws on the bottom of benzel) and use the dremel to trim the top and bottom lip of the benzel to fit the new double din Pioneer unit. The mounting kit side panels fit into the sides of the benzel opening and then screw into the radio and secure the unit in this manner, A trim piece then snaps into the mounted unit to cover the space . The old radio clips into the side portions of the benzel and it can be reinstalled even though you had to trim the top and bottom sections of the ranger benzel to install the new unit.

This is what worked for me . Hope it helps you.

 

I had a 2003 ford ranger which had a Kenwood dnx 5140 head unit. I had it professionally installed. Before they installed it I researched forums like this to see if it could be done. The way it is done is just like Waltger explained. You get a dremel and take out the top and bottom 'lip' from the benzel. You need the double din kit to hold it in.
I traded that 03 ranger for an 07 ranger. The dealership wouldn't let me take my dnx 5140 hu out, it was part of the trade. I miss that hu. I can't play my ipod & iphone. I have other gps options, but I liked the gps on the 5140. So, I am looking to put a ddin hu in my 07 ranger. I'm thinking about the kenwood ddx 516, but that's another story and topic thread.

 

i thought the part to trim was on the SIDES at least mine was...

and if the dealership told me i couldn't take my radio out I'd tell them to go f%$# themselves

 

It has been a few years. As I recall it was top and bottom that had to be trimmed. When you take out the stock radio and look at the benzel it should be easy to see.

 

Its definitely the top and bottom of the radio bezel that needs trimming. You can use the aforementioned Metra kit or the American International kit FMK-552. Ive used the Metra, Scosche, and AI kits on Rangers. And I think the AI looks the best. The AI kit is definitely installer friendly.

 

I had to trim all four sides. Oh, and if you use a dremel (like I did) be careful, as one oops will be more like *&^#@! (like I did, found out a new trim piece from the stealership is $200.)

 

The 2007 + Rangers come with a MP3 AUX input jack. Are you still going to be using that?
I'm just curious, do you plan on selling your MP3 factory head unit?

 

yah, i had to trim all 4 sides for mine. not a big deal

 

is it the same install kit that you use for a reg single din unit?

 

Nope, it's a Double-DIN kit.