Stock stereo question

[samprix]

I have a 96 Ranger with AM/FM Cassette stock stereo.
I purchased a stock AM/FM/CD from a 2002 Ranger expecting to swap out the units easily. But, I found that the plugs from my 96 truck are totally differnt from the plugs that would plug into the 2002 stereo. Is there any easy way to deal with this or do I have to find plugs for a 2002 stereo and start splicing wires? Sure would be nice if there was an adapter out there some where. The units look exactly the same from the front. I was sure surprised to find how different the plug arrangement is on the back.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

[remark123]

There is no simple way to do this. My understanding is that the newer radio has a separate amp, thus the two styles of radios are not compatible from 98 on. I too tried to do this, I finally gave up and installed an aftermarket radio, Kenwood. On the other hand, I was told by a radio shop that the factory CD player was of pretty iffy quality, it probably would not work anyway! Good Luck!

[samprix]

Well, to close this loop and in case anyone else wants to do what I did, here is how it worked out.
I was able to find wiring harneses at installer.com that enalbed me to connect the truck's wiring harness to the 2002 stereo's wiring harness. All I had to do then was match up the wire colors. Stereo works great. Any stereo shop should be able to order the parts, as well. About $30 for both.