Steering wheel adapter

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Yeller
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Location: Rogers County Oklahoma

Steering wheel adapter

Post by Yeller »

As much as I like the nostalgia of the factory steering wheel its diameter is really beginning to wear on me and I’d like to replace it. I’ve found an adapter for 63-69 and 74 and up, but nothing that spells out 70. Any tips or cross reference for an adapter that anyone knows of without just buying them until I find one that fits?

No worries of it getting a crappy Grant wheel, it will be something nice with a 70’s vibe, just in a 14-15” diameter.
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The bus I ride is so short it is a yellow Smart Car full of squirrels, monkeys and clowns.

1970 J2500 Resto Mod
https://www.fsjnetwork.com/forum/viewt ... 12&t=21395

1974 Bronco “Broncno”
https://classicbroncos.com/forums/threa ... st-3411909
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Yeller
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Joined: Thu Apr 01, 2021 7:54 am
Location: Rogers County Oklahoma

Re: Steering wheel adapter

Post by Yeller »

The bus I ride is so short it is a yellow Smart Car full of squirrels, monkeys and clowns.

1970 J2500 Resto Mod
https://www.fsjnetwork.com/forum/viewt ... 12&t=21395

1974 Bronco “Broncno”
https://classicbroncos.com/forums/threa ... st-3411909
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Stuka
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Re: Steering wheel adapter

Post by Stuka »

I actually do not know. I had though the column was the same up until it changed in '74. But all the compatibly stuff I see shows a gap just like you are seeing.
2017 JKU Rubicon
Pevious Jeeps: 1981 J10, 1975 Cherokee, 2008 JK, 2005 KJ, 1989 XJ
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Yeller
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Location: Rogers County Oklahoma

Re: Steering wheel adapter

Post by Yeller »

Stuka wrote: Mon Oct 10, 2022 12:58 pm I actually do not know. I had though the column was the same up until it changed in '74. But all the compatibly stuff I see shows a gap just like you are seeing.
It does show it works for the Jeepster through 72, it's really odd. I'm hoping someone knows before I just order parts and try it. I really hate to depart from the stock wheel but for me it would be so much better feeling. I should just suck it up and buy an Ididit or Flaming River tilt and be done with it....LOL
The bus I ride is so short it is a yellow Smart Car full of squirrels, monkeys and clowns.

1970 J2500 Resto Mod
https://www.fsjnetwork.com/forum/viewt ... 12&t=21395

1974 Bronco “Broncno”
https://classicbroncos.com/forums/threa ... st-3411909

SJTD
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Re: Steering wheel adapter

Post by SJTD »

Wutz the diameter of the stock wheel?
Sic friatur crustulum

'84 GW with Nissan SD33T, early Chev NV4500, 300, narrowed Ford reverse 44, narrowed Ford 60, SOA/reversed shackle in fornt, lowered mount/flipped shackle in rear.
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Yeller
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Re: Steering wheel adapter

Post by Yeller »

16" really want a 13-14"
The bus I ride is so short it is a yellow Smart Car full of squirrels, monkeys and clowns.

1970 J2500 Resto Mod
https://www.fsjnetwork.com/forum/viewt ... 12&t=21395

1974 Bronco “Broncno”
https://classicbroncos.com/forums/threa ... st-3411909

JWestfall
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Re: Steering wheel adapter

Post by JWestfall »

Did you find an adapter that works? May do the same on my 71.
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Yeller
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Re: Steering wheel adapter

Post by Yeller »

JWestfall wrote: Tue Oct 18, 2022 1:53 pm Did you find an adapter that works? May do the same on my 71.
Haven’t yet, just need to suck it up and order one and see
The bus I ride is so short it is a yellow Smart Car full of squirrels, monkeys and clowns.

1970 J2500 Resto Mod
https://www.fsjnetwork.com/forum/viewt ... 12&t=21395

1974 Bronco “Broncno”
https://classicbroncos.com/forums/threa ... st-3411909
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Yeller
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Re: Steering wheel adapter

Post by Yeller »

I broke down and ordered the above mentioned adapter. It came in and is a Forever Sharp Steering Wheels adapter part number D02-56B. It’s a nice looking piece that is very adaptable to just about any aftermarket steering wheel with the standard “Grant” 3 bolt in the base piece and then the adapter for the wheel bolts to that. I went to check to see if it fits and the OEM wheel uses 1/4-28 bolts for the puller and my puller doesn’t have those so it will be a few days before I can get somewhere to get them. Here’s pics as they were unpackaged. More to follow when I can get some bolts for the puller.
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The bus I ride is so short it is a yellow Smart Car full of squirrels, monkeys and clowns.

1970 J2500 Resto Mod
https://www.fsjnetwork.com/forum/viewt ... 12&t=21395

1974 Bronco “Broncno”
https://classicbroncos.com/forums/threa ... st-3411909
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Yeller
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Joined: Thu Apr 01, 2021 7:54 am
Location: Rogers County Oklahoma

Re: Steering wheel adapter

Post by Yeller »

Good news! It fits :D

Really was a direct bolt on. I did have to adjust the lower bearing thrust plate so the horn would work and the turn signals would cancel, the shaft needed to sit further down the tube. I did manage to break the horn button on my cheap steering wheel but that is minor, I picked it up off Amazon for $25 to try out the size, and dish to see how I liked it before sucking it up and buying a nice leather wrapped wheel, I wanted a baseline. I’ll put a couple of hundred miles on the truck tomorrow to see how I like it. Then I’ll figure out a wheel. Will be something retro that will appear that it could have always been there.
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The bus I ride is so short it is a yellow Smart Car full of squirrels, monkeys and clowns.

1970 J2500 Resto Mod
https://www.fsjnetwork.com/forum/viewt ... 12&t=21395

1974 Bronco “Broncno”
https://classicbroncos.com/forums/threa ... st-3411909
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Yeller
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Location: Rogers County Oklahoma

Re: Steering wheel adapter

Post by Yeller »

Put right at 200 miles on the truck today. Should have done this long ago.... the feel is so much better, its about 2" farther away and in the perfect spot. It no longer feels like I'm too short and need to sit higher in the seat to not be the "little ol lady" LOL.

End goal is the bottom wheel, it looks like a fancy CJ wheel from the 70’s, which is the top one.
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The bus I ride is so short it is a yellow Smart Car full of squirrels, monkeys and clowns.

1970 J2500 Resto Mod
https://www.fsjnetwork.com/forum/viewt ... 12&t=21395

1974 Bronco “Broncno”
https://classicbroncos.com/forums/threa ... st-3411909
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Stuka
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Re: Steering wheel adapter

Post by Stuka »

Nice!

A smaller wheel makes the steering feel so much better. Bit more direct, and more firm. Which with the factory over boosted steering, is nice. The wheel you have now is nice looking. Doesn't look out of place.
2017 JKU Rubicon
Pevious Jeeps: 1981 J10, 1975 Cherokee, 2008 JK, 2005 KJ, 1989 XJ
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Yeller
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Re: Steering wheel adapter

Post by Yeller »

Stuka wrote: Wed Nov 16, 2022 5:34 pm Nice!

A smaller wheel makes the steering feel so much better. Bit more direct, and more firm. Which with the factory over boosted steering, is nice. The wheel you have now is nice looking. Doesn't look out of place.
Thanks, I agree that it doesn't look out of place so I'm in no hurry to throw down $200 on a fancy wheel. I do have the same manufacturer of wheel on my bronco and love the feel. This one isn't terrible, but it feels like something from a game or lawn tractor, which it really is a gaming wheel LOL.
The bus I ride is so short it is a yellow Smart Car full of squirrels, monkeys and clowns.

1970 J2500 Resto Mod
https://www.fsjnetwork.com/forum/viewt ... 12&t=21395

1974 Bronco “Broncno”
https://classicbroncos.com/forums/threa ... st-3411909
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Kowpie
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Re: Steering wheel adapter

Post by Kowpie »

The wheel that you have on there actually does look good. I'm curious what you might be going for... leather wrapped, wood, something vintage? I read this with interest because I went through the same process as you with the stock bus sized wheel. I also experienced the ol' lady feel! (great way to describe it). I did as you and purchased a small diameter super-cheapie just to check the feel and as you described, much better. I've been trying to decide on what to go with. Please update when you get the new one.
Cluster 3.jpg
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'65 Wagoneer, 230 OHC, IFS, Column Shift T90/D20
'73 J4000, 6000#, 258, T18/D20, 33", full disc.
'79 CJ7, 304, T18/D20, 35", 4.56, SOA, shackle reversal.
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Yeller
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Re: Steering wheel adapter

Post by Yeller »

Kowpie wrote: Thu Nov 17, 2022 11:30 am The wheel that you have on there actually does look good. I'm curious what you might be going for... leather wrapped, wood, something vintage? I read this with interest because I went through the same process as you with the stock bus sized wheel. I also experienced the ol' lady feel! (great way to describe it). I did as you and purchased a small diameter super-cheapie just to check the feel and as you described, much better. I've been trying to decide on what to go with. Please update when you get the new one.
Cluster 3.jpg
Love the dash color, the plan is to remove my dash pad and paint the dash a similar color.

Having been down this road a few times in the past, I know what I like and want. I have a version of this leather wrapped wheel on a different truck and think it’s the perfect blend of retro with a luxurious, firm, comfortable, want to hold in your hand all day feel.
https://www.wildhorses4x4.com/product/S ... ing-wheels

Here’s the wheel in my other truck. I didn’t just jump in because I wanted to confirm the size and dish worked like I wanted
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The bus I ride is so short it is a yellow Smart Car full of squirrels, monkeys and clowns.

1970 J2500 Resto Mod
https://www.fsjnetwork.com/forum/viewt ... 12&t=21395

1974 Bronco “Broncno”
https://classicbroncos.com/forums/threa ... st-3411909

SJTD
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Location: Lompoc, Sunland or somewhere between

Re: Steering wheel adapter

Post by SJTD »

Is the leather on the spokes on that wheel integral with the grip or are they three little pieces? Are the ends rolled under or are the cuts exposed? Hard to tell from the pics but they seem to be separate on the site's pics.
Sic friatur crustulum

'84 GW with Nissan SD33T, early Chev NV4500, 300, narrowed Ford reverse 44, narrowed Ford 60, SOA/reversed shackle in fornt, lowered mount/flipped shackle in rear.
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Yeller
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Re: Steering wheel adapter

Post by Yeller »

SJTD wrote: Sun Nov 20, 2022 8:57 am Is the leather on the spokes on that wheel integral with the grip or are they three little pieces? Are the ends rolled under or are the cuts exposed? Hard to tell from the pics but they seem to be separate on the site's pics.
Does this answer your question? The leather is wrapped around the back of the spoke. The stitching is smooth. It is 2 pieces of leather, 1 piece around the top and 2 spokes and 1 piece on the bottom that captures 1 spoke. It also uses a standard 9 bolt adapter.
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The bus I ride is so short it is a yellow Smart Car full of squirrels, monkeys and clowns.

1970 J2500 Resto Mod
https://www.fsjnetwork.com/forum/viewt ... 12&t=21395

1974 Bronco “Broncno”
https://classicbroncos.com/forums/threa ... st-3411909
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Harry Dawg
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Re: Steering wheel adapter

Post by Harry Dawg »

Kowpie wrote:The wheel that you have on there actually does look good. I'm curious what you might be going for... leather wrapped, wood, something vintage? I read this with interest because I went through the same process as you with the stock bus sized wheel. I also experienced the ol' lady feel! (great way to describe it). I did as you and purchased a small diameter super-cheapie just to check the feel and as you described, much better. I've been trying to decide on what to go with. Please update when you get the new one.
Cluster 3.jpg
That 8 ball shifter is sweet.

I found this one a couple years ago.

I think it's the perfect blend of old school Americana, with the period correct branding.Image

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1968 J3500 - 1985 CJ7 - 1998 Grand Cherokee 5.9 Liter Limited - 2006 Grand Cherokee Limited
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akguy09
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Re: Steering wheel adapter

Post by akguy09 »

I would love to get an adapter for my 79' to fit a smaller steering wheel also, the factory one is huge.
1979 Jeep J-10 304/T-18
2017 Jeep JK 2DR
2021 PowerWagon
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Yeller
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Re: Steering wheel adapter

Post by Yeller »

79 should be a standard GM adapter if memory serves me correct.
The bus I ride is so short it is a yellow Smart Car full of squirrels, monkeys and clowns.

1970 J2500 Resto Mod
https://www.fsjnetwork.com/forum/viewt ... 12&t=21395

1974 Bronco “Broncno”
https://classicbroncos.com/forums/threa ... st-3411909
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