RAQ I believe is the 6 disc unit without nav

 

Yet it is. The Mitsubishi built CD changer modules are rather fragile and notorious for jamming, but the rest of the unit (built in Chrysler's Huntsville Aerospace plant) is quite good, and the last of the Chrysler/Dodge audio units that would work without a connection to a CANBUS.

There was one in my 2005 Limited when I got it. It had at least 4CDs jammed in the mechanism (burned discs, not real CDs, so not worth trying to get them out), and the RAQ kept trying to unsuccessfully eject a disc. I saw that lots of the precision parts had been bent by somebody's previous attempts to get the discs out, and as a result there was no chance the changer mechanism was ever going to work properly again. I just unplugged the connections from the changer's circuit board to the motors in the mechanism, accepted that I couldn't play CDs and used an external MP3 player with a FM modulator. I had plans of building a MP3 player into the space that the changer mechanism occupied, but before I got any further than acquiring a number of different model Chinese made MP3 player modules to test, my wife totaled the D.

This is a good article on taking apart and repairing the RAQ.

 

May not be totally plug and play, but this is an excellent piece of work here!!!!!

http://www.dodgedurango.net/forums/...scussions-2004-09/19162-gen-2-head-unit-upgrade-funky-oem-style-double-din.html

 

Thanks for that link Durangutan. I'm leaning towards putting in the NAV. I didn't realize you needed that underlying surround bezel. Figured the REC would directly bolt to the dash plastic frame.

I already have a Spare REC NAV unit from my days when I owned a Magnum SRT. Got the NAV Antenna and NAV DVD also.

Bidding on the appropriate dash bezel for the NAV Radio on Eghey. It'll be silver instead of the Faux Wood but that's fine with me. If I win that, I'll have almost all the pieces for NAV install.

Just need to source the 55056269AD Bracket.

Thanks again to all who responded.

 

w00t!

Got the winning bid on the NAV bezel for $78 shipped. Also found the NAV mounting bracket for $14. Looks like I have everything I need for the install. Wish me luck!

 

Excellent! One thing holding me back is that I need the black bezel, which is all but impossible to find, and even less likely find at a reasonable price. Mine HAD to be a Night Runner, of course, and HAD to have special blackouts all over that no other Durango has, including the bezel. I could paint it of course, but I lack the motivation at the moment.

 

Was someone talking about a rare Black 2nd gen NAV radio bezel? Just got one in!

Not sure if I'll keep it. It can be had for a good price if interested!

 

Is your bezel Gloss Black or Semi-Gloss or something else?

 

I'm hoping the 6 disc changer in the REC NAV isn't the same as the RAQ! Had no problems with the disc changer in my Magnum SRT8...hoping the spare REC NAV unit I have performs as well.

On a side note....I see on Crutchfield that you can get New Double DIN NAV head units with more features than the REC at lower prices than buying a used REC on Ebay.

If I didn't already have the spare REC...I would've bought one of the aftermarket NAV units and the accessories need to make it work.

 

Like close to half the price of a REC!

 

GRRRR! Got everything in for the NAV install except for the NAV Dash bracket 55056269AD! It's been discontinued and either is retarded expensive or has at least a 2 week delivery time or both. Checking with Airpark Chrysler now to see if they have any left. Most of the other online wholesale dealers show it being discontinued and not available.

 

I ordered a 2nd power outlet and cover to install in the dash bezel in place of the Traction Control On/Off button? My current bezel doesn't have anything in that spot and a single power outlet on the lower right. It'll be nice to have two power outlets there.

 

Anyone going to be interested in a "How-To" for a NAV install in a 2nd gen with pictures? Going from the Base Audio system to NAV. I'll list all the details/part numbers and all that. Just tell me which forum section to post in and I'll do it.

 

Final piece of the puzzle for the Phase I NAV install came in today.
Seller indicated the NAV Dash Bracket wouldn't be shipped/delivered for 2 weeks. Well that came in today!

Here's the parts I procured for the REC NAV install in my 2nd Gen Durango:

 

https://i.imgur.com/JIREszK.jpg

 

Can't edit my posts or add pictures....sorry. Admin is working on the problem as pointed out by others.

 

Phase II will be an Aftermarket Double DIN Bluetooth NAV Head Unit with Back Up Camera. And upgraded Kicker Speakers.

 

My '07 had the RAQ radio when I got it, with the Amp and subwoofer. I liked the radio...but it didnt have Bluetooth or Nav. I didnt really need Nav, I already had a Garmin unit, so I replaced the radio with a Pioneer unit with Bluetooth and hands free calling. Had to modify the dash bezel a bit to fit the double DIN radio, but with the mounting kit, I think it looks really good. I should post pics of the way it looks now.

 

Might have to wait until the site fixes the picture problems but I'd like to see your install. I do have the Bezel for an aftermarket Double DIN from Crutchfield when I bought the NAV head unit for Phase II. It was included free.

This all works with the OEM Dash Bezel that comes with NAV units so no cutting or modifying. I think I got the bezel for less than half of what you could get an OEM new one for wholesale so I'm pretty happy with that.

 

AirPark Chrysler was a bust for the NAV Dash Bracket. Price was great at $9 but like most of the Wholesale Online Dealers they waited a couple of days to notify me that the order was cancelled because the part is discontinued.

Typical for these Online Dealers. They allow you to place the order then come back a few days later and say it's not available. A shame as I've dealt with AirPark a few times in the past with no problems.

 

Hmmm...looks like the picture posting and editing posts might be fixed? At least for now?

 

I'll post a picture of the Phase II Aftermarket NAV install parts if and when I get to that point. Already have the Aftermarket NAV, Adapter Interface, Bezels and Antenna Adapter. Includes Backup Camera.

I'll see how the OEM REC NAV install turns out then go from there.

Otherwise I could have a complete Aftermarket NAV unit package available for sale!

 

Downside is I have the Base Audio system with 4 Speakers with no Amp. Head Unit driving the speakers directly. If the REC can't handle it then it's Aftermarket Phase II with an Amp.

I have modest audio needs so i don't need Ear Bleeding Base and SPL! A powered Subwoofer can easily be added.

 

I know it seems like you're talking to yourself, but I'm watching. I'm sure others are too.

 

Thanks! I don't mind documenting this for other people that might find it useful. I know 2nd Gens are pretty old but someone else might buy one and have the same questions I did.

 

Another set back! I didn't originally see this when I received the NAV Dash Bracket. It was damaged in shipping. When it was in it's sealed plastic bag you couldn't see the damage. Filed a claim with the Ebay Seller. The yahoo didn't have any packing material or cushioning in the box. It's cracked/split on the left side and the lower left mounting tab is broken. Grrrr!

 

Looks like I might have a source for the NAV Dash Bracket thanks to a friend that works in the Dealer Network and looked up inventory on this discontinued part for me. Not at a standard Dealer!

Placed an order online for 4x of the discontinued brackets. Could always offer the remaining brackets to others that might want to go down the same path. I'll update once I receive them or not!

Best part is the Wholesale price!

 

And here's the future Phase II Audio/NAV upgrade. Parts are already in. Will decide if this gets installed in the bear future.

Consists of:

Aftermarket NAV Headunit with Bluetooth/DVD/Backup Camera
Kicker replacement 6.5" speakers for front/rear doors
Adapters/Bezels/Wiring courtesy of Crutchfield/Metra.

And yes I realize the head unit is budget! I Didn't want to spend the big $$$ on a Kenwood Excelon or Pioneer AVIC unit. Please remember I only paid $1500 total for the Durango! Not spending 50% or more on Audio/Video upgrades vs the purchase price!

 

Phase II upgrade will be less than $400 total including the NAV Dash Bracket and used Radio Surround Bezel ! Not bad in my opinion!