Redneck Engineering question
 

So, I have an 88 with that dopey half H looking steering wheel. I gotta say, I hate that damn thing!

I'm always beep the horn by accident. Backing up, turning around, etc.

I'm looking for replacement ideas. But, not the typical Grant wheel replacement. I'd love to see the non-traditional versions. Wheels from older cars/trucks, different makers, even homemade, if anyone has done that.

Thanks folks!

any toyota wheel should bolt right up. toyota made several version just for trucks. i have the 86 sr5 truck/celica wheel. I will be getting a grant wheel as I like the one in my 91 truck.

Thanks Chaser, for replying. I can remember when forums like these were THE place to go for all kinds of sharing. I guess those days are gone.

Anyhoo, "should bolt right up." is exactly what I'm looking for. However, other than other truck wheels, I have not been able to determine which wheels from Toyo cars that will for sure "bolt right up." I thought an 88 MR2 wheel would, but I think it still needs modification.

I think I read once that most Toyota steering wheels use the same spline pattern - so essentially you're open to any Toyota steering wheel. It's common on some of the older Land Cruisers - like if you didn't care for the large diameter of the original and wanted smaller diameter from say a Celica.
I would definitely do some research on the part before you buy anything.

As for the Grant steering wheels I never cared for the aesthetics of one of these, but they are one of the few companies that make removable steering wheel/anti-theft device, so just for that reason alone I would not rule them out as an option for replacing your steering wheel.

Yep. I'm researching my ass off!!!

For what it's worth, I called my local Toyota parts dealer, and they said that the only direct swap wheel for my 88 would be from an 86-89 4Runner. Which is, of course, the same ugly-ass wheel I already have! :bang:

The next time I have both of my steering wheels off, 88 & 90, I'll have to see why/if they really aren't compatible.


Anyhow...it looks like an 88 MR2 wheel would work...maybe? See following thread. http://www.alltracwagon.net/forum/m-1398549428/

I'll bet all they did was look up the part number for your current steering wheel, then look up all the other applications where that part number was used.

I haven't had good luck going into the dealers with a part and saying "I need something like this....". Their system isn't setup to find parts based on specifications or measurements, its setup for application.

Sorry, I don't have an answer or other suggestion for you.

Thanks guys. I've read through the alltracwagon post also. Didn't sound like he had a direct swap, which is what I'm seeking, if going with a Toyota wheel.

Agreed. However, I really thought that "application" would have been where the crossover parts would be.

There are also kits for swapping different wheels. but I'm still pretty sure the bore and splines should fit many Toyota wheels, especially if it's from another truck/4runner.