so i got a 98 dakota with a cassete player, and i want to put a cd player in it, but to get a dodge one is is too expensive and i can't just swap out the casset for a cd because it doesn't just slide out so what are my options? do i need a dash kit? can i buy aftermarket cd decks for it or what should i get?

 

Here what it looks like with the cassette player

 

I have 98 Dakota and replacing the head unit was pretty do-able for just about any DIYer. The bezel that goes around the cluster, vents and head unit area pulls right out - just make sure you un-clip the flood light switch before you pull it all the way out.

You can buy a head unit bracket and the wiring harness for cheap:
Head unit bracket
Wiring harness

Here's what mine looks like:


Good luck - hit me up if you have any more questions.

 

I just ordered my second one off crutchfield.com All you need is the dash kit. To make it even easier spend the extra 10.00 for the wiring harness for your truck that way all you have to do is match wire colors crimp them together and you are done. A lot easier then trying to find out what wire does what. All this can be bought from crutchfield. Some radios even come with the wire harness free. Most times its separate unless specified.

 

Totally forgot about Crutchfield, oops.
Crutchfield is also good about providing decent to excellent installation instructions.

Good call dodgeramguy85!

 

if you are interested, I have a Kenwood CD deck for sale. It is only about 3 months old and is in perfect condition, just the same as new. The wire harness I got from Crutchfield would work with your truck, and you can have that for free if you want it, you would just need the dash kit, they sell those at any auto parts store, Walmart, Best Buy, etc..Here is a link where I listed my Kenwood deck for sale here on DF, the post has pics of the deck too:

https://dodgeforum.com/forum/miscell...-for-sale.html

Crutchfield sells the Kenwood deck new for $139.99, it is on sale for $119.99 right now. I will sell you mine for $90.00 shipped. Here is the link to the deck on Crutchfield's web site if you need more info on it:

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_113KDCX...-KDC-X395.html

Reply here or send me a PM if you are interested or need more info.

Jimmy

 

well once i took an acual look at it it was easy bought a wiring harness a pioneer cd deck now all i need is the dash kit