In this 2007 Dodge Ram 2500, our customer was seeking a way to both integrate his phone and increase his overall sound quality! The best way to accomplish this task is by replacing the quickly aging factory radio with a modern equivalent and updating the speakers in the vehicle!
The factory radio while fully functional, was overdue for an upgrade. While it had AUX in and a CD Drive, it did not have any USB connectivity or any way to handle phone calls.
After deciding which features meant the most, we found a suitable radio model from a manufacturer that the customer approved. We began the process of disassembling the dash. Finally removing the factory radio to make way for the new and improved head unit!
The Alpine CDE-164BT was the radio that we decided to install with its large display and six channel Pre out expandability if the customer wants to add amplifiers down the road. We proceeded to solder the harness in preparation for getting it mounted in the dash!
Paired with the proper dash kit from Metra the Alpine CDE-164BT almost looks like it was made for this 2007 Dodge Ram 2500 Regular Cab! Once we confirmed the functionality of the new radio and were happy with the install, we turned our attention to the speakers in the truck.
The front door speakers in the Dodge Ram are 6x9 and relatively shallow compared to most aftermarket 6x9's. For proper fitment, we required a small 1/4 inch spacer to ensure the new speakers would not block the window!
Here is the door fully disassembled with the new Polk Audio DB692's mounted and wired up. This job was made especially easy with the help of the Metra 72-6514 speaker harnesses which both ensures correct polarity and adds a high degree of serviceability!
The rear speakers in the Regular cab are 5 1/4 and found mounted on the side panels. These speakers often can be replaced with a 6 1/2 for a bit of a bump in sound quality.
The Polk Audio DB522's are what we ended up installing as the basket on the DB652's was just a hair large and didn't allow for a good seal against the mounting point.
Overall this truck gained a vast improvement in the quality of sound and connectivity, plus this system gives the customer the opportunity for further improvements if he decides to amplify the doors or add a subwoofer.