He already stated he doesnt want anything fancy just a working radio for a truck thats not a daily driver...
the flip side is once you put aftermarket stuff in you gotta worry about someone else taking it out.... (when they break in to steal it)
if it was cost that held him up crutchfield is the last place to go if your concerned about price... some place like ebay would net him way more for much less...
or he could buy one of those stolen systems out of someone elses ram from some kid on craigslist :P (I'm kidding or course)

 

I posted that because he said he 200 to spend. With the replacement speakers and deck he still will have some money left over, and that's all 4 speakers with low rms that the deck would make them sound absolutely amazing. Like I said my friend ran this same set up. Even before he got his amp and sub the system sounded great!
Some crackhead that rips the door panels off and steals those speakers, rips the head unit out and tries to pawn that stuff will not get more than $10 at a pawn shop. It wouldn't be worth the thief's time.

 

That is funny though about the craigs list augiedogy. My friend in Austin got his system back that way. He took his reciepts to the guys apartment and then called austin PD when the guy refused to give them to him. He got it back.

 

You would be suprised what a crackhead would steal...I once had a book (page) of stamps stolen out of my center console... and I've had my stereo burglarized twice out of my jeep...
I was going by the fact that the OP stated he did not want to even mess with aftermarket if he had the choice.... there tons of factory head units on ebay and craigslist for like $10.... like the one he just bought for it..and he wont have to mess with adapters like he said... and used speakers galore...

 

The speakers are easy to check for phase. I use a 9V battery...touch and hold, and if the speaker pulls in I have NEG to POS. If the cone pushes out, I have POS to POS.

I was thinking of just using a multi meter on the pigtail with the radio playing and see if the voltage reads as POS or NEG. Either way though I'll have to cut off the factory pigtails off and re-terminate. I have both large and small spades so I can get a good fit.

I believe I have decided to delete the rear speakers altogether. I will get some low watt coaxial 6x9" speakers to put in the front doors and I'll call that good. I mean after all I had to drive the truck 6 hours to home when it was given to me and I was fine with no radio at all. Just me and the truck. LOL.

When I get all the little repairs finished I'll post some pics and details. Should only be to the end of the weekend to get everything finished.

 

CF is ok.. but I dont shop there any more unless they have a deal i cant pass up.. I use these people now; service is just as good and mostly cheaper most of the time.

http://www.sonicelectronix.com/

 

It's a 98, save your money. https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...um-thread.html

 

Just go to walmart and get some cheapy speakers.

 

That's exactly what I did this afternoon when I got off work...except it was a Best Buy. I got a set of low watt Pioneer 6x9" speakers for $59.99. I installed them when I got home. I also deleted the rear speakers.

I hate those door clips though I am glad there are so many...the panels never rattle. LOL.

The passenger door panel goes back on when a replacement passenger door lock actuator shows up and then the interior projects are all finished up. For a truck with 230K miles the interior is in almost perfect condition.

For the outside, I just have to finish removing the passenger pin stripe and rear 'Sport' decal. I have new emblems to go on all around, and a replacement black fender to take place of the dented driver's fender.

I'm going to quickly buff the whole truck, get an alignment, and I'm DONE with it. $400 total into a used gift truck.