2000 Dodge Ram Van Pioneer fm687 changer

I just ordered a Pioneer cdx-fm687 cd changer to install in a 2000 Dodge Ram Van.

Looking at the install manual on the pioneer website for fm677 (since fm687 doc is not available) it appears I need the following power hookups: ground; 12V ignition switch; 12V constant power

Anyone care to recommend a good install location for the changer in the van? I was thinking about putting it in the rear behind the 3rd row bench seat.

Assuming I mount the changer there, where does one typically tap into switched and non-switched power? I'd assume I can ground the changer at the rear on exposed metal, but do I need to run the power cords to the front of the van? If so, any recommendations on a path for the cables?

Any tricks to removing the dash and factory installed head unit?

Thanks in advance

A NewB

Thanks Sweekster...still keen to hear any recommendations on placement of the changer in the van and the recommended path for cables to the head unit....

Cheers

Not a problem.  You could probably just place it under one of the front seats.  More than likely you'll have to run the wires and cable on the drivers side (ususally the heater core is one pasager side in a van and it could get in the way) and up over the steering.  Shouldn't be too hard though. 

The back seat sounds good too, but if you have to take the seats out, that could cause a problem.  Plus, do you wanna walk all the way to the back of the van when you want to put in a new set of cd's? 

I happen to have that same changer in my 97 altima.  It's currently mounted vinyl covered enclosure under my glove box.  right now I'm in the process of making a fiberglass stealth box (with a locking door) for it so it blends in with the factory dash. 

Duane...

If you think you're confused, imagine how you feel.   

Thanks again for the advice...much appreciated. The player just arrived in the mail and I have bought some tap-ins to attempt the install this weekend.

The dash still discourages me though....not clear how to release the panel/s that enclose the radio...can't seem to id the screw/s that hold it or the place to release it...any ideas?

Cheers

Thanks all...worked a treat.

For the record:

• I installed the cd changer on a wood board under the front passenger seat (had to unbolt the seat to work freely in this space)
• I removed the plastic trim in the front door step well and along the right front above the carpet and ran the cables thru this path
• when reinstalling the plastic step well trim I secured the black ground wire to the floor using one of the screws as I reinstalled the trim (I pushed the ground wire end into the screw hole to ensure it made contact with unpainted metal for a good ground)
• removed the right panel trim on the dash (looks like the fuse panel but is on the passenger side)....just yanked on it and ran the wires up the side and thru the steel frame towards the central air vents
• having removed the dash insert (yep....you just pull on it and it unclips) I removed the two screw bolts holding the factory head unit in position. Simply pull the head unit out...it offers some resistance due to the bracket but it slides out fine
• disconnect the black and grey connector strips, remove the ground lead and the aerial plug and the head unit is free
• using pliers I squeezed the wire taps (ones by 3M that come in two pieces...the tap and a spade connector..cheap at Walmart)  onto the live wire and accesory power wire. I used a multimeter to check for power on the pins...(I found the connector diagrams at http://www.precisionautosound.net/chrysler-2.html very useful for this! the colors did not match up with the ones I found but the power and accessory pins where as depicted on the 'Majority of Vehicles' diagram)
• crimped the spade connectors onto the changer's red wire  and yellow  wire
• pushed the spade connectors onto the tap ins
• plugged the antennae cord into the cd changer's rf modulator box and plugged the rf modulator lead into the head-unit antennae in
• reconnected the ground lead to the head unit
• reconnected the two wiring connectors to the head unit (matching grey-grey and black-black)
• pushed the head unit back into the dash
• inserted the cd magazine into the changer with one disc....heard the changer cycling thru the magazine
• switched on radio and tuned to fm frequency (89.1) and after pressing play on control I heard sound
• resecured the headunit
• reinstalled the dash

I installed the control panel for the changer on the dash above the cup holder and below the air vents using the velcro strips....I may at a later date cut into the dash to make the job a little more professional, but it looks pretty good right now and I hesitated to start cutting into the trim. I fed the control wire thru the daash trim along side the air vent and was able to press the dash trim back in place with the cord under the outside edge.

Was glad it all worked and thanks for the advice in this forum...it helped my confidence and I believe the wife is impressed! Hope this helps others....

Cheers