SSV radio upgrade to SYNC?

[QHaba]

Is it possible (plug and play operation without major modification) to upgrade stock Ford base radio to a base SYNC radio (specifically the 4" display) in a 2015, 2016 or 2017 Expedition with the column shifter? (I assume the shifter style does not matter, but I've never seen a column shifter with the SYNC.)

Are plugs and connections the same? - If not, what is the model number for the APIM?
Will steering wheel controls still work?
Does the dash trim pieces the same?
Will HVAC plug and play and work with dials instead of knobs?

Any other information that would contribute to this topic is appreciated, thanks in advance.

 

[ExplorerTom]

Personally I’d go with an aftermarket solution. I hated SYNC. Maybe in the new models they are fine, but anything short of that won’t be worth it.

IMO.

 

[DeafBringer]

I agree with ExplorerTom. Go aftermarket. Much easier and better sound to boot. Plus you'll get 6.75" screen. Check out Crutchfield. It'll tell you what will work and you could even pay a little more for a harness to be made up for you and shipped with whatever unit you choose.

I just installed a Kenworth 709S. With din, harness, unit, etc., cost $450 shipped after taxes. You can go substantially cheaper if you're on a budget. I generally prefer Alpine or Pioneer but the sale on the Kenworth unit and the increased pre-amp output for less than $350sealed the deal for me. If you're looking for a budget unit, I would recommend Kenworth as they generally still produce decent sound quality for the low end of their line.

 

[bloodhound]

I agree with ExplorerTom. Go aftermarket. Much easier and better sound to boot. Plus you'll get 6.75" screen. Check out Crutchfield. It'll tell you what will work and you could even pay a little more for a harness to be made up for you and shipped with whatever unit you choose.

I just installed a Kenworth 709S. With din, harness, unit, etc., cost $450 shipped after taxes. You can go substantially cheaper if you're on a budget. I generally prefer Alpine or Pioneer but the sale on the Kenworth unit and the increased pre-amp output for less than $350sealed the deal for me. If you're looking for a budget unit, I would recommend Kenworth as they generally still produce decent sound quality for the low end of their line.

To avoid confusion, you mean Kenwood. Kenworth is a big-rig truck.

 

[eddytheexpy]

For what it's worth, don't waste your time with the sync option. it's super clunky by modern standards. There's lots of aftermarket solutions.

Here's my post on the radio upgrade I did 2 months ago and I'm still totally loving it and only ran me in the ballpark of $200.

For Those Looking for a 3rd Gen Radio Upgrade

ok so I've wanted to upgrade my radio for a while and finally pulled the trigger after verifying I didn't nuke the engine while performing the timing job. I was weighing lots of pros and cons for various aftermarket setups. What I found was the usual, if you want it to be an easy install with...

www.expeditionforum.com

 

[DeafBringer]

To avoid confusion, you mean Kenwood. Kenworth is a big-rig truck.

Hahah whoops! Good catch. yeah I meant Kenwood. Thanks for catching that.

 

[BigBadMonte]

Hi, I have a Gen3 Expy (with Sync v1). I recently upgraded to a Pioneer HU and, since I used Sync ALL the time (to control mp3 playback on my USB drive), I also bought an iDatalink Maestro RR. This interface will retain Sync functions (Bluetooth and media) on your steering wheel control. I haven't found a built-in aftermarket voice-controlled way to use my media library for under $800, so the Maestro was a good workaround. Just my .02