Just purchased a '03 Exp. (my third) with premium radio which, to put it mildly, really sucks. The speaker are horrible and distort too easily. Previous 2 Exp. had custom systems. Has anyone changed the head unit in the '03? I'm trying to find out how to remove the existing head unit. The '03 dash is quite a bit different from previous models.

 

the dash is eazy to remove 2 screws above the stering wheel
and the dash pulls right out
i changed my head unit to the clarion indash dvd touchscreen
tv and a 5 channel jl audio amp with 5x7 comp. sets in the four
doors with 2 10" jl 10w3 subs it sounds perfct

i hope this helped

 

Yes, thanks.
Is the space for the head unit the same as earlier Exp. with the brace limiting the cut out?
Where did you put your subs and amp? There isn't a cut out in the back panel any more. Looks like there may be some room behind the rear panels.
Finally, how did you remove the door panels?

 

there was nothing to remove in the dash its just a open hole
i had a audio shop do my doors so i dont know how they come off
i put my amp in the rear panel driver side and subs in a removable box behind the rear seat i looks and fits perfect

 

Since we're on the topic, do any of you know of a sub that can be swapped into the compartment where the stock is?

 

At a reasonable volume, in my opinion, the 2003 stereo sounds pretty darn good for a stock system. I know it sounds Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay better than my "Premium" stock system in my 2000 Expedition. (What's worse is, my "Premium" system sounds way better than the stock system in my SuperCrew.. Ford- if you're listening, better speakers would not have been a bad thing. Do a recall, and give us the JBL system!

I've been looking into upgrading myself. But, I'm not sure that I'm gonna keep the truck. The system I want, with custom enclosures, amps, 4 new door speakers (Sony X-Plod's) and 2- 12" Sony X-Plod, or Rockford Fosgate subs in the enclosure- monster wiring, etc. already has me at $1,600- keeping my factory head unit.

If I got what I really wanted, (That motorized Alpine DVD/TV, flip up deal $2,800) I'd be hit in the wallet for about $4,400 bucks. That's a good down-payment on a 2003 Navigator!

I guess I'm easily impressed. I didn't think the 2003 system needed much help to sound good.

 

Bighersh, I completely agree with you. I think the system sounds damn good for stock, but it would be nice to get a little more bass without having to upgrade the whole system.

 

No doubt.

Replacing the sub, and adding a stronger amp won't do it?

I don't know, I' m just asking. I heard the 03 Expy EB has the Audiophile system, with 7 speakers, and a seperately powered Subwoofer. (The 7th speaker).
Knowing Ford, it probably has a 80 Watt amp on it.

 

VinniePSVT

In my 99 I spliced into the speaker wires and put a high level to low level (RCA) converter in behind the radio. Then I ran the cables to the back with all the other necesary wiring (including a line to an ignition spot in the fuse box to turn the amp on and off). I had an old JL 15w1 and an orion 275sx from my old car. Put an electronic crosover on the amp and BOOM system sounds awesome. All brand new it might cost you $500. I have the "premium" sound system wich does pretty good keeping up with the 15. You just have to crank the amp up some and turn the base down half way on the radio. Then the stock stuff won't distort as easily. It's not a competiton rig, but I like it.