stereo wiring for 96 ford explorer

You probably have the JBL system which is factory amplified. either way if the speaker harness doesn't fit theres an amp. If I remember correctly on the 96 you have 2 options.  One is purchase a ford "amp integrator" harness. It is the small square plug. It will allow you to connect to the aftermarket speaker wire, you hook up the remote (blue) on the power harness and you have sound. A better option but one that requires more work is to get a ford "amp eliminator" harness. It allows you to use the factory plug to send the audio back to the factory amp location. from there you need to remove the rear side panal (in most cases passenger side) and it comes with another 2 sided plug. You unplug 2 plugs from the factory amp and connect them back together with the "bypass" plug. Now all the speakers play from the deck power. If there is no antenna jack at the dash you have the third possibility...the pain in the neck JBL system. The best way around that is to run all 4 speaker wires from the amp to the dash as well as an antenna extension if you want AM/FM to work. On some of the explorers the factory amp(s) are behind the drivers side rear panel so check there  before ripping everything apart. (on the drivers rear you can see back behind it easier since the spare tire compartment gives some access) It's not really that bad but you need to watch out for breaking the push pins, hidden screws and removing the seatbelt bolts. Lazy people can bend the panel enough to access what they need but you then risk even more damage. I don't reccomend cutting the factory plugs as thats more work and more chance of messing up and the price of the integrator or eliminator harness cost the same as the wrong one you have now. Good Luck