I chose Clarion because of their experience and reputation in multimedia car audio applications. This radio has more features that I can darn being to list or describe. In fact, it can control a CD changer, a DSP unit, a VCR and a TV tuner! The faceplate folds down to access the single disc player. It's small, built-in amplifier runs my rear speakers for some surround sound delayed rear fill... however all the other speakers are run off my amp.

The hardest part of getting the radio into the truck was getting the dash OFF! I followed the steps outlined HERE and went very slowly to avoid breaking anything...

This is what you have to work with once you get the dash off, plenty of room up here. Take note of the radio connector and antenna, these will require custom adapters to interface with an aftermarket radio. The parts needed are Metra #70-6502 and #40-CR10. Beware - some of the '02 Dakotas have a two piece connector for the radio, however the newer ones (mine was custom built in May '02) have this single multi-pin plug. The two wire groups below are the for the A/C controls.

The custom trim plate is Scosche kit# FCJ1276A, you can find this part at almost any place that sells radios. That was pretty easy huh? I would not even attempt this install without the wiring adapter and mounting kit! Notice the EQ display from the DSP unit is set back to the radio for fine tuning - this is a great feature and one the main reasons I bought this particular unit. I can control all the functions of the Graphic EQ, Parametric EQ, DSP Digital Delay Sound Fields and Digital Crossover from the radio itself... no messing with adjustments or settings in the back. It even has a subwoofer volume control and various memory locations to save custom EQ curves and other personal settings - it's bad AZZ! Also notice my plastic shark on the dash keeping everything safe ;)