If Crutchfield says it can't be done, it can't be done. Their core business depends heavily on upgrading auto audio systems and I can imagine they would put a lot of R and D into making this work. One thing you can look into is upgrading the stock Ford speakers to decent quality aftermarket units. Not a massive leap forward but it will defiantly be an improvement. OEM speakers are notoriously low quality . If you really want to boost the audio output you can also add a power amp that connects between the stock radio unit and the upgraded speakers. A bit of a project adding the appropriate grounding and power cables but just take your time and do it right. If you buy your gear through Crutchfield, their Tech Support can walk you through the whole project. I plan on upgrading the speakers on my XLT Supercab as a starting point. That is IF I ever eventually take delivery of said vehicle.
I swapped mine out but it's kind of a pain in the ass. I used the install kit for the smaller sync radio. The wiring kit worked fine. The 2 bottom screws have nowhere to thread into so I ran zip ties through the holes which ended up working really well. The trim hides it anyway. The hazard button for the blue screen radio is bigger and won't fit the kit at all. The sync version is soldered on with no connector. I layed fiberglass over the hazard button hole, repainted it and drilled a round hole for an aftermarket illuminated button. If you were really good with a dremel the factory button could be reused. But I didn't think I could make it look right.
