I want to know whether anyone has experience with the use of aftermarket steering wheels on 88 pickups or similar models. I am asking because my steering wheel looks gross -- the vinyl around the hub is discolored and degraded.

Recently, I replaced my shifter ball with an aftermarket dress-up item from Amazon, and now I enjoy every shift much better. Not only does it feel clean and look great, it's also taller than the original, which means it provides additional leverage, and sits a little closer to my leg. This provides a more comfortable and smoother feel during every shift. I'm thinking that if I replace my steering wheel, I might enjoy driving my pickup even more.

The pickup's steering column housing is bulky and rectangular, and the steering wheel itself has a bulky center section that covers the housing. Most aftermarket steering wheels have smaller round centers. I am wondering whether the round center is a total mismatch with the column housing. Would I be better off leaving well enough alone?

Any advise would be appreciated.

 

pick a red one, youll gain fuel economy and maybe a few horses

 

Worth a chuckle thanks

 

On my 87 4Runner, I installed a LeCarra aftermarket wheel. I wish I had pictures for you but do remember it was a bit smaller in the center, but never thought it looked bad at all. I was very happy with the look and the smaller diameter wheel. I do remember it pricey though. Can't find a factory one in good shape on eBay?

 

I second paul, ebay. but if your just dead set on that bolt on performance, its juts a plain 15" wheel to my knowledge, nothing special about it. also, you can most likely pull one off of several different Toyotas (celica, fj80) of a similar generation.

 

The factory vinyl steering wheels are nice until they deteriorate. I would go with a wheel thats solid material. Google, you'll find quite a variety.
I have a steering wrap on wheel and its falling apart but will likely just get another steering wheel wrap.
I like the banjo wheels

 

Lots of aftermarket shifter knobs depending on preferences. I have couple old knobs I’ve considered but after this many years likely won’t change. One has been my gate handle for decades. Old 13sp direct knob

 

Shift knobs
http://www.lowrangeoffroad.com/low-r...s-7-types.html

 

I think I am going with Grant Products 838 Classic Wheel, for 41 dollars.

The good condition factory wheels are going for over 100 dollars.

I think at this point, I'm ready for a change and the Grant Wheel will go with my new Shifter knob.

I really recommend everyone Change out their old shifter knob for the one I got, because it's so much better, actually makes shifting easier because it brings the stick up a little closer to you, giving you better leverage and a more relaxed shifting position. And it looks great. Do it now--thank me later (ha ha)--it might be the best 17 bucks you ever spent on a vehicle:

Arenbel Leather Replacement Shifter Knob, https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

And... of course, thank you all for your input, and your time.

 

Don’t forget you’ll need a hub Grant adapter.

 

600xShifter knob finished

A little manual labor can make a world of difference.. Apparently I don't have a full image of the rehab'd wheel..

I've seen photos of the aftermarket wheels and I think they do look odd with the steering wheel shaft cover (clamshell) sticking out. I can certainly agree going from the solid plastic wheel to a soft wrap/covered style makes for a good upgrade.


A few counter points, for what it's worth.
At no point have I ever needed or wanted more leverage on the shift lever.
If it's closer to you at one point that just means it's farther away at the other end.
If you have a center seat position it may become really uncomfortable to use.

 

I love my new Grant steering wheel. Easy to turn even though an inch smaller in diameter.

 

NRG wheel, quick release, and hub. Nice added somewhat of a theft deterrent when parked on the street. Found everything but the Toyota specific hub and horn button in an e30 at pick-n-pull for $20... Sold the e30 hub, picked up the horn button and Toyota hub.
3 annoying things about it:
Turn signals don’t shut off/return on their own anymore.
The wheel is dished so reaching for the turns to activate/shut off is a bit of a hassle.
Carrying a steering wheel around is dumb as, well it’s pretty dumb.
A flat wheel design would solve 2 of the “issues.”

 

I have a wheel from Summit Racing (Grant Steering products) and It's great. I put this in (with a tiny bit of effort) and I really like it. Looks cool and fresh, and smaller in diameter which felt better in my hands. Easier to get in and out of now too.