I've found a Grant GT steering wheel which measures 13" for a good price - I'm looking to install this in my 93 pick-up. Does anyone have any experience driving with a smaller wheel. What are the pros and cons?

Cheers.

 

i have one of those steering wheel covers on my 4runner that makes the steeringwheel all thick and adds about an inch in diamter maybe more lol.

then, i tried driving this huge lincoln navigator to run errands (its my boss' car....) and that thing has a TINY steering wheel. its not the same. you gotta keep it big!

 

If you've only got a standard cab, every inch of space you can get is a A+

I'm looking for one that I really like before jumping in. I could use an extra inch or two, give me a bit more leg room.

 

Interesting, those lincolns are huge! I'm wondering how a smaller steering wheel affects the ability to make turns (I'm running 30" tires).

 

Good call. Thats an issue I didn't think about. Even though I have an ext-cab, I could use the leg room. Still wondering about steering response though.

 

i love the lincoln cuz it is a rocket for such a huge suv. i dont think its very reliable at all though...

well, i dont have any trouble in my 95, and hell dude im 6'2'' and 200lbs lol.

the only time it gets uncomfortable is when i have to do hw in my truck, but thats what the way back is for

 

I have one in my 86..I like it ;-)

 

Hehe... Lincoln reliability. I used to work for a Ford/Lincoln Dealer in the Service Dept. If I had a nickel for every time I heard that...

 

Yes! Very similar to the one I'm looking at but with 3 spokes. Any feedback about daily driving?

 

I have a ~12.5" Grant in my '85:



I like it. I do have hydraulic assist on the steering, so steering effort is no issue. I have the quick release on it as well, that is very nice.

 

I though about this on mine, but the maunal steering is going to a M.F.

 

you know why old american cars had huge steering wheels? b/c a lof of them didn't have power steering, thats why they ran tall skinny tires too. when you go to a smaller steering wheel it takes more effort to turn the wheels, especially if you have wider tires. the hydraulic assist helps i'm sure. you'll have to make more hand over hand turns in parking lots. you'll also lose your familiar and comfortable resting positions of elbow on window, hand on wheel. i think there either are diff ones or you can change the ratios on your steering box (? i've heard that, but have no clue really) to help with the turning.

 

Technically with a smaller diameter steering wheel your steering input should be quicker, less movement of your arm for same result as bigger wheel.
Try driving your truck holding onto one of the spokes inside the wheel to see what I mean.
I don't like smaller wheels, some do, its all in what your driving style and comfort level is.

 

I have a 13" Grant GT 3 spoke wheel in my 87 truck. I have hydro assist as well and it works great. I am thinking of taking it out and putting it in my 94 truck that doesn't have hydro assist (yet!).