I started a discussion in the 10-14 section that should be more appropriate here. After doing some research, I think I've figured out what I want to do in order to swap out my headunit while retaining SYNC functionality and steering wheel controls. A lot of you are way more audio savvy than I am so I'm hoping someone can point out if my plan doesn't work or if the parts won't work together or if I'm just completely missing a component somewhere:

Headunit: Kenwood DPX501BT
Dashkit: ADS MUS1 Radio Installation Kit
Adapter: ADS iDatalink Maestro

Some beautiful looking stereo set-ups on here. I'm not nearly good enough to make my own or to set up some of the rigs you guys have, but I'm hoping to get rid of the awfully boring factory headunit from Ford

 

That looks good but call Crutchfield. It's a free and they are usually knowledgeable.

I did with my scosche and bought elsewhere.

 

I think I may be missing a few wiring harness adapters in there as well. Looking at the packages on Crutchfield for installation, there's a few extra small things I had not considered needing.

 

Just a heads-up you can not use the ADS Mus-1 kit with that head unit it inly works with select kenwood and alpine units.

 

OK, so I've done a lot more research on the topic of aftermarket HUs and what I need in order to make this happen. I think I'm going to go with the Kenwood DDX9702S headunit, the maestro RR harness kit, and the MUS-1 dash kit for the install.

I have a V6 premium so I have sync which should retain all of the features I want for bluetooth calling and music. Some of what I've come across in terms of forum posts make mention of the fact that you need to tap into the OBD and Sync wires behind the headunit using posi-taps or soldering. Is this true? I thought most of it would be plugging in the Maestro harness to the existing connections and then routing the other connects to the headunit. Am I oversimplifying things?

PS - I hate tapping into existing electrical since I'm not electrically savvy and I dont want to ruin anything lol

 

you need the Maestro rr module, thats all your list is presently missing. the install is very easy, the most difficult part is identifying the right Sync wire to cut and tap in to. FYI, I will have my MUS1 dash kit for sale here soon, complete with all it came with.........

 

yeah the Sync wire is a pain to find but the radio does have a way to use sync on it touch panel. I find that I really don't use Sync over the phone apps. I am using a pioneer Avh-x2700bs and metra touch screen for the temp controls and sync display.

I multi connect the phone part to sync and to Bluetooth of radio for audio. only thing sync is doing it using the factory installed microphone.