How do you install an after market stereo in a 2005 Dakota?

You'll need a dash kit, wiring harness adapter and antenna adapter before you begin. Make sure you get the parts for a 2005+ Dakota and not the older versions. I haven't looked at mine as to how the trim panel comes off, but there might be a couple of screws hidden at the bottom. The trim panel should pop off toward you. Once the trim panel is off, there are 4 screws holding the factory deck in. Remove them. Now, on the bench, connect the wiring harness adapter that you bought to the aftermarket stereo wiring harness via the color codes. Do yourself a favour and solder the connections. You can crimp connect them, but soldering them is what the pros do. Take the adapter and plug it into the factory harness in the truck. Now take, the dash kit and fit the metal cage from the stereo into it. Pinch the tabs and test fit it. If it all fits, get your antenna harness adapter, plug the appropriate end into the stereo and the other into the factory antenna harness. Plug the wiring harness in the deck and bolt it up back together. This is just off the top of my head so I may have missed some basics steps if you're a newb.