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2005-2011 Dodge/Ram Dakota

How to upgrade the stereo system in your Dakota

Dodge Ram Dakota

In brief: This Crutchfield Research Garage article gives you an overview of your Dakota's stock stereo system and your aftermarket upgrade options. We'll tell you all about:

Then, use our vehicle selector to find the gear that will fit your truck.

Overview of the Dodge Dakota

In a world where everything from sodas to laundry detergent is available in super-duper-mega-xtreme-grande size, it can be challenging to find something that's "just right." Is a half-gallon of cola really a smart idea for a long road trip? What good is a jug of detergent so heavy that you need a shot of HGH to lift the thing up to the washer?

Bigger can be better, of course, but not everyone needs a pickup truck that can tow a mobile home through a muddy field. Some people just need a comfortable, cool-looking truck that's fun to drive during the week and tough enough to haul stuff on weekends. Trucks like that are getting harder to find new, but there still are plenty of older ones on the road — for good reason.

The Dodge (or, starting in 2010, Ram) Dakota was one of the last of the true "mid-size" pickups. Available in Club Cab (later changed to Extended Cab) and 4-door Quad Cab models, the Dakota is a terrific truck for people who know exactly how much truck they need and why. And once you've found the right truck, you might as well fill it with just the right stereo.

Dodge Dakota base radio

The Dakota's base radio looked like this from 2005-07. (Crutchfield Research Photo)

The factory stereo system

The Dakota's standard stereo was a rather basic unit. The optional systems, from Infinity in 2005 and Alpine in 2006 and thereafter, were quite a bit better, but they're still factory systems. If sound matters, you'll undoubtedly want to upgrade.

2005-2007 Dakotas

On the 2005-2007 trucks, the factory radio is somewhat oddly sized, so while single-DIN (2" tall) receivers will fit into the cavity (with an adapter), double-DIN (4" tall) models won't. Receivers with fold-down faces are, alas, not an option because they can't open properly in this truck.

When you replace the radio, you'll lose the factory satellite radio capability and the factory hands-free cell phone interface (if present) won't work anymore, either. Both are quite easy to replace with a new receiver.

2008-2011 Dakotas

Thanks to a revamped dash design, you can choose from a wider variety of single- and double-DIN (4" tall) receivers for the 2008-2011 models. When you replace the factory radio on these trucks, you'll lose the factory nav system and satellite radio capability. Depending on the adapter you choose, you might also lose UConnect and front-to-rear fade control.

2008-11 dodge dakota radio

The 2008-11 Dakota dash (Crutchfield Research Photo)

Removing the factory radio

The Dakota's factory radios are reasonably easy to remove, regardless of which dash configuration you're working with. The illustrated, step-by-step instructions in the Crutchfield MasterSheet included with your order will show you everything you need to do.

You'll need a dash kit to install the new radio, and it's available at a discount with your Crutchfield stereo purchase.

The challenge with this truck is in the wiring. You'll need a stereo integration adapter to make the stereo work with the truck's electronics and factory amplifier (if present). Fortunately, like the installation kit, the wiring adapter is available at a steep discount with your order.

Detailed stereo and speaker removal instructions

MasterSheet image
With step-by-step disassembly instructions and plenty of up-close, detailed photos, our exclusive Crutchfield MasterSheet™ takes the guesswork out of removing the factory stereo and speakers. It's free with your Crutchfield order, or you can purchase one separately for just $9.99.

2005-2007 Dakotas

The Dakota's Infinity and Alpine systems include an amplifier, which is located behind the passenger's side kick panel. The integration adapter provides 12V accessory power and allows the use of the factory amp. Installation instructions are supplied with the adapter.

For these earlier models, there's also a wiring harness available that lets you bypass the amp by running wires to the kickpanel location. If your truck doesn’t have a factory amp, just follow the instructions supplied with the wiring adapter.

2008-2011 Dakotas

The Dakota's new-for-2008 dash fits either single-DIN or double-DIN receivers, so you have a wide range of great stereos to choose from. If you're installing a double-DIN receiver, you'll need to cut out the metal rear support bracket in the dash cavity to make room.

Tools needed: Phillips screwdriver, “stubby” Phillips screwdriver, panel tool (2008-2011)

Read our Car Stereo Buying Guide for shopping tips and advice.

Shop for car stereos that fit your Dodge Dakota

Steering wheel audio controls

In most cases, it's reasonably easy to retain your truck's steering wheel audio controls when you install a new stereo. When you enter your vehicle information, our database will choose the adapter you need to make your factory steering wheel controls work with a compatible aftermarket receiver.

Dodge Dakota front door

The Dakota's front doors will hold a variety of speaker sizes. (Crutchfield Research Photo)

Removing the factory speakers

While the dashboards differ, the Dodge Dakota's speaker set-ups stayed the same, regardless of radio, throughout the third generation. You'll find factory speakers in the front doors in all Dakotas. The Club/Extended Cab has speakers in the rear side panels, while Quad Cab trucks have speakers in the rear doors.

Front door speakers

The factory speakers (woofers, in the case of the Infinity or Alpine systems) can be replaced by a variety of 5-1/4", 6-1/2", or 6-3/4" speakers. Most 6-3/4" speakers come with their own special mounting brackets to fit Chrysler/GM vehicles, while the brackets needed for the smaller models are included with your Crutchfield order at a very nice discount. You may need to modify the bracket by grinding off some material.

These speakers are located at the bottom front of each door, and once you remove the door panel, they're reasonably easy to remove and replace. Complete instructions can be found in your Crutchfield MasterSheet.

Alpine-equipped Dakotas have 2-ohm factory door speakers. Replacing them with higher-impedance speakers will result in lower volume levels, so keep that in mind when choosing new speakers.

Trucks equipped with the Infinity or Alpine systems have 4-ohm tweeters in the sail panels. You'll get to them by removing the door panels (which you'll do anyway when you replace the woofers), then removing the sail panel. Replacing them is no big deal, but you'll need to use a set of our universal backstraps to hold them in place, since there are no mounting brackets available.

If your truck doesn't have factory tweeters, adding a set of component speakers will require some creative problem solving and fabrication skills. If you're not sure this is your sort of DIY project, you might want to turn the job over to a car audio professional.

Tools needed: Phillips screwdriver, Torx T-20 driver, small flatblade Phillips screwdriver, panel tool

Dodge Dakota Club Cab speaker

The Club Cab's speakers are in the side panels. (Crutchfield Research Photo)

Rear speakers — Club Cab

The 6-3/4" rear side panel speakers in the Club/Extended Cab Dakotas are pretty easy to deal with. You'll start by prying up the rear edge of the door scuff plate (just loosen it, don't remove it), then pull the rubber gasket from the door edge. Pry off the seat belt anchor cover, remove one Torx T50 bolt, and set the belt aside.

To remove the top pillar trim panel, pry from top edge to release the retaining clip, then pry from the bottom portion of lower pillar trim panel to release those clips. Set the trim panels aside, then remove three Torx T20 screws from the speaker, disconnect the harness and take the speaker out of the truck.

From here, hook up the new speaker, test it out, and, if everything sounds okay, start putting things back together. Make sure the safety belt is functioning properly before you hit the road.

Tools needed: Phillips screwdriver, Torx T-20 and T-50 drivers, panel tool

Dodge Dakota Quad Cab rear door speaker

A close-up view of a Quad Cab rear door speaker (Crutchfield Research Photo)

Rear speakers — Quad Cab

The Quad Cab's rear door speakers, like the ones up front, can be replaced by a variety of 5-1/4", 6-1/2", or 6-3/4" speakers. You'll need mounting brackets for the smaller speakers, and you may need to modify them by grinding off some material.

These speakers are located at the bottom front of each door, and once you remove the door panel, they're reasonably easy to remove and replace. Complete disassembly instructions can be found in your Crutchfield MasterSheet.

Alpine-equipped Dakotas have 2-ohm factory door speakers. As with the front tweeters, replacing them will require some custom work.

Tools needed: Phillips screwdriver, Torx T-20 driver, panel tool

Read our Car Speakers Buying Guide for more information.

Shop for speakers that fit your Dodge Dakota

Bass in your Dakota

Unless you're absolutely, positively never going to use the rear seating area in your Dakota to carry anything or anyone, ever, there's no room back there for a big set of subs in an enclosure.

Then again, there's nothing stopping you from tearing everything out of there and building an absolutely epic box of subwoofers back there. If you do, please send pictures. It could be kinda cool, actually.

With space at a premium, we'd suggest looking into compact powered subwoofers for your Dakota.

Other options for your Dakota

Here are a few more ideas for making your Dakota an even better place to spend your work or play time.

WeatherTech floor liner Dodge Dakota

A WeatherTech floor liner (actual appearance may vary).

Floor mats

Driving a truck eventually leads to doing truck-type things, which can take a toll on your Dakota's carpeting. WeatherTech floor mats and liners will help protect your floors from dirt and damage.

Navigation

Just because a touchscreen nav receiver won't fit in your early Dakota doesn't mean you have to drive around lost. A portable GPS will mount on your dash and give you turn-by-turn directions, traffic updates, and everything you need to make your trip go smoothly. And when you get where you're going, you can put the GPS in your pocket and use it to find points of interest around town.

Security

Installing a security system in your Dakota isn't easy (security systems almost never are), but the peace of mind is worth it. Our Crutchfield Advisors can help figure out what you need to get the job done, but we usually recommend taking your car and new gear to a professional installer.

Let's get started!

Ready to shop? Use our vehicle selector to find the gear that will fit your car or truck. If you have questions of your own, give us a shout via phone, chat, or email

Please share your thoughts below.

  • Mike from Rosamond

    Posted on 3/21/2020

    I had a Kenwood dpx series installed into the dash of my 07 club cab. Also have sound ordnance kit with tweeters installed on top side flares of driver n passenger doors. With sound ordnance on the rear doors. A major improvement over factory, but considering kickers to replace the sound ordnance. They are aged. No sub. I have my dog that requires rear area of cab. Overall I'm pleased. I had my Kenwoodvprofessionall done with siriusxm adapter installed. The clarity I've been told with the BT connection of said receiver is very clear. Better than Pioneer nav receivers with BT.

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