98 with Mach

[A4x4Junky]

Just purchased my truck last night.
It currently has no head unit in it...just some butchered wiring in the hole that used to have a radio in it.

I am trying to do my homework and am reading post after post, but figure I might get a quicker answer to throw this question out there.

I am looking to purhcase a new head unit today.
I went to Crutchfields website for the "fit/doesnt fit" piece of information.
There are a few units there that fit, but there are a lot more that do not.

Can anyone explain how much the Mach speaker/amps play a role in the fit/not fit? I have seen some people modify their dash for the double din setup.

My concern is that if I decide to run a double din setup and ignore Crutchfields doesnt fit warning, how do I know there isnt some underlying compatibility problem?

I am not looking to replace more of the factory system than what is necessary.

Thanks,
Anthony

 

[oblivion]

They have no bearing on the Head Unit. I have a 99 with Mach Audio. There is a 4ch amp and a sub/amp. The speakers are actually not bad and sealed. Just make sure you get the right wiring harness and hopfully you can peice together the butchered wiring

And yes the Double din will fit just takes a bit of trimming.

 

[mazdaparts]

I purchased the Pioneer avh-p1400dvd and made it fit. I had a heck of a time due to circumstances beyond my control, but in the end it looks and works great. I ordered a harness from crutchfield and that was it. But if your wiring is butchered you might be better off having a pro shop install it.

 

[A4x4Junky]

Thanks for the reply.
So, at the risk of seeming thick headed, I can put any head unit I want into the truck so long as I can figure out how to secure it?
According to Crutchfield I need this adapter:
Factory System Integration Adapter 1995-up Ford/Lincoln/Mercury/Mazda/Nissan at Crutchfield.com
Can anyone explain why I need it and what it does?

Thanks,
Anthony

 

[oblivion]

Thats kinda the overkill version wire harness for your truck. There is a cheaper version (about half the price) that doesnt have the gain control box on it. Most dont need it as you can do taht on just about anydeck these days.

Sorry, what id does it plugs into teh vehicale exsisting wire harness and then you match colours to the aftermarlet decks harness and your done. its makes installs virtually fool proof. You will also need a mounting or "Dash kit" as well for your install.

 

[scodo1068]

There is a website called Install dr and i think they have the wireing diagram you need