Hey guys I ordered a '16 XL with just the basic am/fm radio. I plan on getting a nice in dash 7 or 8" screen setup to replace it, so I didn't want to waste money on an expensive stock setup.

I therefore didn't get the SYNC setup, because it would end up costing almost $1000 more, and include options I didn't want like chrome bumpers. The new stereo will have built in Bluetooth for phone calls, so I'll be set there.

So what am I giving up by not having sync? Are there gauges that show vehicle info that would show up on a pricier stock stereo that I'm not gonna have?

If so, is it possible for me to just buy an oem SYNC "module" and plug it in, then use something like the Maestro adapter to get the gauge functions to work on the aftermarket stereo? Not sure if the harnesses and plugs are all there already, and would be a plug and play kinda thing.

I'm really hoping my truck has the productivity center in the instrument console too. I ordered the optional manual Regen option, and it shows a pic of the productivity center, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed there.

Thanks

The best setup I know is to get an Airplay system to supply your entertainment. It also includes rear view mirror, and newer versions are coming with readouts for the OBC-II port. Once you've used it, nothing else will be the same.

With it, get an Insight Edge CTS-2 engine monitor. That gives you lots of real-time reporting on your engine, plus collects codes, etc. It also can come with a rear-view mirror, which you can actually install on the front instead if you want, or just delete. Between those two, you're golden.

I have the Sync, never used it. It's funky, unreliable, and the user interface is impossibly bad.

I might be wrong but highly doubt the XL comes with the productivity center. You will probably get the Type 1 display.

I hope you added the high output alternator or dual alternators. The rapid heat option is nice in the winter and it requires the higher output alternator options. Also, the block heater is nice.

The Upfitter Switches can be added later but is nice to have them from factory. I would add the E Locker if available.

Honestly, I love sync but if you are wanting to get and aftermarket radio I dont see the point in ordering it. There are interfaces to keep sync working with aftermarket radios but most radios have Bluetooth and hands free calling.

Lanedecamp - The head unit I'm looking at has the Apple Carplay - is that what you mean? I have a CTS2 at home already waiting for my truck!

Larry - yea I'm kinda worried that the online picture was misleading about the productivity center. I did contact the guys who can switch out the instrument panel, but that looks iffy, because they would need to find a '16 with the productivity center with no backup sensors to get the VIN from. Otherwise is wouldn't work.

I did order with dual alternators, Locker 3.55 rear end, and the upfitter switches. I didn't go with the rapid heat/block heater since I'm in Hawaii and will be moving to Calif

I did get the remote access kit - the old one. Hoping I don't have to get into my headliner to hook it up!

Dieselburner - I'm looking at a Kenwood Excelon head unit. It says with the optional Meastro unit it will read out vehicle info gauges like tire pressures, etc. I'm hoping that will work without the sync unit in my truck. If you go to this link and scroll down to the section called idata link, you can see the features it has. would be nice if that would work!
http://www.kenwood.com/usa/car/excelon/ddx9902s/

One nice thing I can see with an aftermarket head unit, you can play DVDs without having to get a seperate DVD player

I believe this is the part number for the cable you need to relocate the VSS module to the OBDII port connector.

DL3Z-14B504-A

Wow thanks Larry - I'll look for that online. I need to get the long range antenna too.

Long range - Bi-directional Antenna - DL3Z-15603-C

The remote fob I used has the FCC ID - ELVATRKC

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from...VATRKC&_sop=15

It does not have the panic button on most. Even if it say Subaru, it will work. I know, I have one with Subaru on it and works fine.

Also, Long-Range - One-Way DS7Z-15K601-F

One Way remote info on back of case

p/n - 4360307

FCC ID - ELVATJH

CAN ID - 3671B 43603070

The bi-directional remote with panic buttons info below.

9G1Z 15K601 A (all plastic case)
DL3Z-15K601-A (metal key ring)

info on back of case

FCC ID - H50TR27

CAN ID - 1640BTR05

Following a couple of these threads with xl packages like mine did you do the install yourself, how did it go? what Bluetooth option did you go with ? Sync or not is the module just a plug in ? Steering wheel controls? Thx