My tape deck died. I can get a Refurbished 1998 Cassette/CD/Bluetooth on eBay that looks pretty similar to my existing HU, but I understand looks can be deceiving. Of should I get a Mach HU? They’re all about $200.

also, I replaced my speakers and they sound pretty good. I’d like to add a subwoofer to fill out the sound. Is it easy to swap the factory amp using existing wiring? Or will one of those $100 low profile subs with built in amp integrate easily? I’m not trying to impress the neighbors just enjoy some metal. Thanks.

 

You can do that but it won't be plug and play, Ford changes connectors on the radios between 1997 and 1998, wires are all there just different connections
1997 used two 8pin connectors
1998 used one 16pin connector


Most car audio "powered subs" can connect(share) any speaker's 2 wires, you need BOTH left and right channels to get all the low notes, because its a "stereo system", although the Left channel on most systems will have all the "lows", so if you have to pick just one channel use the Left

The sub doesn't cause an impedance issue because its just monitoring the voltage change, not using it to power the sub speaker
Make sure any sub you get has that, "speaker sharing", most, but not all, do, it will have left and right speaker IN connections, not a single RCA IN

 

Thanks. I guess the easiest thing would be to get the correct 1997 vehicle-1999 radio wire patch kit from Metra or similar wiring company. How do I figure which one? Or I could just get a 16 pin connector for the 1999 radio and disconnect the wires from the 1997 8-pin connectors, but there seems to be many variations to the wiring sequences per vehicle/radio.

 

Not a fair question since each year Rangers would have 2 and maybe 3 audio system options, basic and premium, and even "audiophile" 1 up from premium, lol

Some wiring diagrams seen here: https://www.therangerstation.com/tec...diagrams.shtml

If you can find a Brochure for a year it will usually list the audio options that year

1997 brochure can be seen and downloaded from here: https://www.therangerstation.com/art...ger-brochures/

Looks like 1997 had 5 audio options!!!!!, page 13
But probably only 2 or 3 wiring harnesses but don't know for sure