I want to change my stock stereo. I have an 05 Quad Cab and want to put in a different set up but I am a little nervous about pulling off the interior panels. I have done it before with my old Honda but this is a brand new truck. I heard Crutchfield makes pretty good install kits and they come with good directions. I really don't want to pay someone for something I can do myself.

Oh and has anyone removed the door panels. I would like to change the speakers as well. Like I said I've tore up my Honda but I didn't care all that much if I messed up the interior. I have had that care since college.

Any tips or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

This is out of the 03 Ram manual. To the best of my knowledge, this is still accurate for the 05. The hooks they speak of are at the very bottom of the door, behind the panel where you can't see them. Follow the instructions and LIFT the door to disengage the panel from the door. Good luck.





TRIM PANEL
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the window crank, if equipped. (Fig.
13)
(2) Remove the interior handle. (Refer to 23 -
BODY/DOOR - FRONT/INSIDE HANDLE ACTUATOR
- REMOVAL)
(3) Remove the screws at the mirror flag and near
the inside handle. (Fig. 12)
CAUTION: Trim panel is attached to the door using
hooks molded into the panel. Do not pull the trim
panel straight off or damage to the panel and/or
power switch assembly may occur.
(4) Lift the trim panel up off the belt seal and
attachment hooks and separate the panel from the
door slightly.
(5) Disconnect the power window switch electrical
connector, if equipped, and remove the trim panel.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the window switch into the trim panel,
if equipped.
(2) Position the trim panel onto the lower hooks
and connect the power window switch electrical connector,
if equipped.
(3) Position the remaining trim panel attachment
hooks into the door panel and seat the trim panel
into the belt seal fully.
Fig. 11 LOCK CYLINDER
1 - LOCK CYLINDER
2 - EXTERIOR HANDLE
3 - SCREW
4 - LOCK SWITCH WIRE HARNESS
23 - 24 DOOR - FRONT DR
(4) Install the screws near the inside handle and
at the mirror flag.
(5) Install the interior handle. (Refer to 23 -
BODY/DOOR - FRONT/INSIDE HANDLE ACTUATOR
- INSTALLATION)
(6) Install the window crank, if equipped.
WATERDAM
REMOVAL
CAUTION: Do not allow the waterdam or adhesive
to become contaminated with dirt or other foreign
substances.
Do not damage the waterdam during removal and
installation.
If the waterdam becomes contaminated or damaged,
replace the waterdam.
(1) Remove the inside handle actuator. (Refer to 23
- BODY/DOOR - FRONT/INSIDE HANDLE ACTUATOR
- REMOVAL)
(2) Remove the speaker. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
AUDIO/SPEAKER - REMOVAL)
(3) Separate the waterdam from the inner door
panel and off of the latch linkages.

 

Yeah, does anyone know how to take off the trim panel around the stereo area of an 05 ram.

 

If it is the same as the 04 (and I'm pretty sure it is) There is one screw just behind the bag hook on the right side bottom of the panel. Remove that screw. Now pop off the top of the panel under the steering wheel (no need to remove it, just let it hang). The rest of the trim panel around the stereo will just pop off. I start with the bottom left (because there is someting to grab on to) and work my way around. No need for a "special tool". It comes off easy enough with your hands. Mind the wiring harnesses for the temp controls and the cigarette lighter.

 

hey 757 definitely check with Crutchfield. i have used them for years and i have always received quality products, service and installation instructions.

 

Yea crutchfield has great service and support.

My truck came with the upgraded 6-disc changer and infinity 7 speaker system but it wasnt good enough.

Ordered a Kenwood deck with sirius sat radio from crutchfield....ordered new apline type R 6x8 component speakers with crossovers and new tweeters to fit stock locations and ordered a rockfosgate 350W amp and 10" infinity kappa perfect sub with Q-logic enclosure for under rear pass seat of my truck....

received all items in less than 4 days. Free shipping...no tax...saved probably around 400 bucks as compared to spending more money for the product in a local store plus the tax.

I didnt do it myself though...had it professionally installed...everything works,looks, and sounds great.

The order DID however come with TONS of detailed instructions for each item (deck, speakers, subwoofer, etc.)

 

Awesome,
thanks for all the advice. Sounds like I can do it myself. I just feel better when I do it even I am only saving a few bucks. That way if it is screwed up I can only blame myself and don't have to go chase someone else.
I'll let you know how it goes.

 

I dont know if you have done this or not yet, but it is a super easy swap. The kit I got from best buy was cool. Pretty inexpensive. I put a nice Pioneer in my 04 for a little while.

Once you pull that screw out the whole panel aroudn the radio comes off. Straight out. SHouhld be just two bolts holding the radio mounting bracket in.