navigation, 97 silverado new style

I have an 07 Silverado HD New body style. I wasn't able to get the factory navigation because I wanted a split bench in the front and they don't offer navi with that option, anyways here is my question, can I install the factory navi headunit in my truck? I think there is a separate gps box and antenna as well. Is the harness the same or is this impossible to do without cutting up a bunch of wires, etc? I really don't want an aftermarket unit as I like the factory look. Anyone have any ideas on this?????

We do them but there may be more to it. You need the nav, nav disc, an antenna, and a plug. You can find the navs, dics and antennas on Ebay. There are two types of navs, one for rear DVD entertainment and one without. Either will work fine in your truck. There is no separate gps box, all is included in the nav. The plugs are the same except for one thing, your truck will be missing one. You need the brown plug that has the VSS signal. The VSS can be obtained behind the junction block to the left of the brake pedal, middle plug, GREEN / WHITE. You will need to get this plug somewhere and run the wire for the nav to work. Finding this plug may be the hardest part. The antenna mounts up where the defroster vent is. that long panel pops out and it goes on the right side. Depending on where you get your nav, if it has ever been plugged in to another truck even for a few minutes it has received a code from it and now will theftlock when you plug it in to your truck. If this happens you will need to visit your dealer and have them recode the nav to your truck. It's a simple process they do thru the OBD3 connector using a TECH2 computer, should take them 15 minuts at most.Mike M2

Tech Manager

CS Dealer Services

The plug that I need is there a plug on both ends of it or just the radio side then just splice the wire on the other end at the junction box? The plug itself could be found at a junk yard if I can find one that has that new of a truck in it correct? Do these nav units have Ipod hookups? Or do I have to use a aux port or fm modulator? This would be the only thing steering me away from using a stock setup as I have to have my Ipod and I like having my ipod controlled through the radio. Thanks for your help

You could probably find it in a junk yard and is probably your best bet for finnding it. The plug you want is brown and can contain a lot of wires depending on options in the truck you get it from. On this plug are the outputs for rear dvd signal and inputs from rear camera. Your gonna need to cut it out and lengthen the GREEN / WHITE wire on it to reach under the dash. As for ipod, they have a aux mini plug. You can add an aftermarket ipod adapter to the nav if you want, check Crutchfield....Mike M2

Tech Manager

CS Dealer Services

I would advise not using the factory Nav unit for one very good reason. The fact that your truck has a split bench seat also means it does not have an outboard amplifier. The Nav radio only has a very low output and isn't designed to run speakers directly off it. You won't get much volume and you can damage the output section of the Nav radio if you try to do this. You would be much farther ahead to install an aftermarket double din Nav radio. They have more features and are easily upgraded. You can get proper I-pod accessories and other items if needed. Look around at all the possible aftermarket Nav units avaialable. Many of them are better looking than the factory. The radio mounting kits for them are great looking. You will require a module to interface any aftermarket radio into the vehicle though.sparky

Wow sparkie i totally missed the split bench remark above. With no console that means there is no amplifier(and why they don't offer the nav). That makes this a whole lot more difficult as the amp is required to drive the speakers. Options are there but i gotta agree at this point, aftermarket is the way to go.Mike M2

Tech Manager

CS Dealer Services

Yeah now it sounds like too much to make it worth it. I don't know why they couldn't put the amp somewhere else and offer the nav in these but their loss I guess because I would of paid alot more to have it. I just like the looks of a stock dash and by the time I buy all the adapters for onstar, steering wheel controls, etc it adds a substantial amount to the price and not to mention all the things to go wrong. Thanks alot for the info