I wanted a CD player in my 96 Ranger now that my OEM AM/FM cassette took a dump. I got one from I believe a 2002 Explorer. Different plugs. I am looking for a wiring harness mod to hook up this radio if possible. Anyone have either information or a link to information to do this swap or has a low buck AM/FM CD player that would fit, let me know.

Cheers

 

Radio wiring diagrams here: https://therangerstation.com/tech_li...diagrams.shtml

You may have a separate amplifier in the 1996 or the 2002 may need a separate amplifier, Ford used both Basic and Premium systems

So find out what you have now, then you will know what to get

You also need to make sure a CD player can play all types of CDs, in case you have made some of your own CDs

 

It does have fins, giving me the impression it may have a bigger amp built in. I appreciate your response. I may try to get a set of plugs and splice in the two to avoid cutting off the originals should I have to return to a stock radio set up. I'm having NPR withdrawal symptoms.

 

Which one has fins?

You need to know if your 1996 uses a separate amp, if it does then you will need to find it and remove it to hook up new receiver(with built in amp) directly to the speakers
And visa versa

Look at the wiring diagrams and wire colors, they will tell you what system you have in your 1996 Ranger

If you have two 8 pin connectors, then you have a Basic system with amp built into Radio
If you have one 8 pin and one 16 pin connector then you have a separate amp

The CD player units often had separate amp

 

Appears to be the two 8 pin, although the radio appears to only have 7 pins used on one side, the other is the full 8 pins.

I appreciate the help. now I need to get a couple of the connector/pig tails for the newer system to install. That or see if my brother still has the vehicle to cut off the wires/connectors.