I hate to do this, but I need advice.

[ihatetodothis]

Hello, everyone! I'm really sorry and I hate to do this, but I need some pointers on installing a stereo for my buddy. I say that I'm sorry and hate to do this because this is probably the only thread or activity I'll have on this forum. But any and all advice it welcomed and appreciated.

My friend just got a 2001 Montero. He doesn't know cars that well, and I don't know Monteros at all; so neither of us know if it's a limited or has any other trim levels. From the reading and searching I've done, there's an "Infinity system" available for these cars? How can I tell if my friend's truck has that?

Also, from searching for wiring harnesses, I came across dash kits (with pockets and whatnot). I looked at my friend's truck, and saw a video of a stereo install, and it doesn't seem like a dash kit is necessary for a single din radio, but what do I know? Haha. I saw another user here who has one installed for their radio so that further increases my uncertainty. Do I need a dash kit for the stereo to fit properly?

If his car has the Infinity system, and I just want to change the head unit, do I only need the wiring harness and not the other wires? (http://www.carid.com/2001-mitsubishi-montero-sport-stereo-installation/metra-wiring-harness-4731506.html -- harness in question)

Is there a different wiring harness for the limited and "non-limited" versions?

Sorry for all of the questions, I just want to make sure I don't mess up something on his car. Thank you all in advance!

[jkdv8]

You talking about the Montero or Montero sport?

If referring to the sport best way to check for infinity system is to look and see if there are speakers in the dash. Infinity setups add those two to make 8. Also written on the stereo itself but that doesn't necessarily mean it's the version with the separate amp.

As far as what you'll need;

Radio wiring harness, the infinity harness is all that you'll need however, if later down the line he wants to add 4 more speakers they can run off the headunit. If it's non infinity you'll need the full harness.

Also need the amplifier adapter harness to interface the aftermarket to the factory amp. There is post, a couple posts down that has a link to the it and the radio harness or the one you linked will work.

Antenna adapter. As far as I know the infinity's also have two antennas. I just used the power one and left the one in the rear window alone. At the time there wasn't an adapter to use both antennas. That may have changed.

Don't need a dash kit. Single din leave the pocket. Double din remove the pocket.

If it's the Montero I don't think you need a dash kit. Just if it's a DD you relocate the climate controls to the pocket location below the radio. Harness, antenna adapter, etc.