I have asked about a double din install into these trucks before and didn't quite get the answers I was looking for, and I found other threads asking the same thing and getting the same answers. So I decided to take a bunch of pics during my install to let others know what is involved in the double din install in a 2008 Dakota.

Here is my stock stereo that I want to replace.


Here are the parts needed. An aftermarket head unit (I used a JVC KW-AV61BT), a wiring harness interface (Axxess XSVI-6522-NAV), an antenna adapter (Best Kits BAA22), and the install kit (Metra 95-6511).

IMAG0721_zpsb92ef760.jpg
IMAG0724_zps57859907.jpg
IMAG0722_zps8253da8d.jpg

 

Next is to make sense of the wiring and connect the harnesses together. It was actually really easy as most of the wire colours matched between the interface harness and the stereo harness. I chose to use butt connectors rather than solder because: A - I was sick with the flu, and B - I am absolutely confident that my crimps are perfect and won't come loose. And I used a couple spade connectors for the park brake and reverse wires that come directly off the back of the stereo as apposed to coming out the wire harness with the rest of the wires. And I also plugged in the antenna adapter.
IMAG0725_zps7e01929f.jpg

Next step is to screw on the install kit. Very easy and straight forward. Four screws per side and done. For this install you do not need the trim piece around the stereo.
IMAG0730_zps46711b84.jpg
IMAG0727_zpsa3a1bd3a.jpg

 

Now it's time to get to the truck. First disconnect the negative post on the battery (10 mm wrench).

Then pull off the plastic trim around the stereo. First pull at the bottom corners and then pull the top corners free. It actually came off a lot easier than I thought.
IMAG0731_zpsab9e0010.jpg

Then get a Phillips #2 screwdriver (+ head for those who don't know) and unscrew the four screws that hold the stock radio in. And then pull the radio out and disconnect the 2 antennas and the wire harness.
IMAG0732_zpsd3431199.jpg

 

Now is time for a slight modification. The back of this particular stereo is taller than the stock one so I had to bend some metal out of the way. Here is what it looks like stock.
IMAG0733_zps47d933c0.jpg

I used a pair of pliers and squeezed the top and bottom tabs well out of the way. This worked nice and easy but there wasn't quite enough room. There was still a raised lip of metal between the two bottom tabs that I had to bend. I couldn't quite get the pliers in there so I used a 4lb hammer. Yup, first time I ever needed a hammer during a stereo install but it worked great. Here's what I was left with.
IMAG0736_zps430f2707.jpg

 

After I bent the metal out of the way I put the deck in to test the fit and it was good so now time to plug it all in. Simply plug the interface into the truck harness and plug the antenna wire into the antenna adapter. There are two stock antenna wires, one is for basic radio and the other is for satellite. I can't remember the colour, I think it was the yellow one, only one will fit as they are slightly different. When you are all plugged in just stuff the wires in the hole and put the stereo in making sure none of the wires are stuck between the stereo and the metal bracket in the dash. Install the four screws. And test fit the dash trim. If it looks nice you are good to go. If not you can make adjustments where the install kit screws on to the stereo.
IMAG0737_zps0850f027.jpg

Now hook the battery up and follow the startup procedure that the interface harness came with. Turn the ignition on for 30 seconds, then turn off and then turn on and you are good to go.
IMAG0739_zps3bd8ec5f.jpg

IMAG0740_zpsccac5c53.jpg

I hope this helps some of you out. Backup camera install to come in a few months. I think the wife will get me one for Christmas.

 

Did you have the infinity system or standard? It's noce the 08+ have nice square radios. The 05-07 had those d@mn "ears" for the volume/tuning ***** that have to be filled in. Great job and nice write up.

 

I'm not sure. I don't think it says infinity anywhere.

 

That looks great I like it. Maybe I will do that with mine. What was the total cost for the system you got?

 

The stereo was on sale $349 regular $399 at future shop I also bought the antenna adapter from the for $20. I got the wiring kit and install kit on eBay for around $80. I think future shop wanted around $140 just for the wiring kit. So I think for everything after taxes it was about $500.

 

So I removed those four screws and my stereo seems stuck in my dash. I don't want to hit it... Yet. But it does not move one iota. There's no other fasteners is there?