Aftermarket steering wheel questions

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mjdriver
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Aftermarket steering wheel questions

Post by mjdriver »

So I'm wanting to get rid of the giant ugly stock steering wheel and go with a smaller diameter aftermarket wheel, I would like wood, or wood look. I noticed ebay has a bunch of options for cjs most say late 70s and up, would they fit on a 73 non tilt column? If not, what options do I have?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/174130982615

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Lti57
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Re: Aftermarket steering wheel questions

Post by Lti57 »

My 81 wagoneer came with a smaller diameter steering wheel and it sucked
So what you are looking at is good nice size dia to me is better closer to stock
I think the hub will make all the difference most steering wheels bolt to a hub the the hub is splined for the shaft
You just got to make sure they work with each other.
Like not a Momo hub and a Grant wheel, probably not going to work.
And nice wheels cost money . my steering wheel and hub for my 1969 MGB Was like $ 600 merican
But it’s damn nice
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mjdriver
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Re: Aftermarket steering wheel questions

Post by mjdriver »

Lti57 wrote:My 81 wagoneer came with a smaller diameter steering wheel and it sucked
So what you are looking at is good nice size dia to me is better closer to stock
I think the hub will make all the difference most steering wheels bolt to a hub the the hub is splined for the shaft
You just got to make sure they work with each other.
Like not a Momo hub and a Grant wheel, probably not going to work.
And nice wheels cost money . my steering wheel and hub for my 1969 MGB Was like $ 600 merican
But it’s damn nice
I think the smaller dia would help with the slow gearbox ratio, also if I have the vent window open my hand hits it while I'm turning. Very annoying. What you think, like a 15 "? I need to measure the stock one for reference.

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Lti57
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Re: Aftermarket steering wheel questions

Post by Lti57 »

I understand that but the smaller wheel for me made it harder to keep the Jeep in a straight line.
You know what I mean I am in the house can definitely measure both. The smaller wheel was probably 2 smaller in Dia. From stock after I put it on felt much better and the wife liked it, it’s her rig anyway. I am just her mechanic haha
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RamJetFSJ
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Re: Aftermarket steering wheel questions

Post by RamJetFSJ »

I used a Grant wheel and hub combo. The column is very similar to GM, so adapters should be available from most manufacturers.
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Re: Aftermarket steering wheel questions

Post by Stuka »

Lti57 wrote: Sun Mar 28, 2021 5:21 pm I understand that but the smaller wheel for me made it harder to keep the Jeep in a straight line.
You know what I mean I am in the house can definitely measure both. The smaller wheel was probably 2 smaller in Dia. From stock after I put it on felt much better and the wife liked it, it’s her rig anyway. I am just her mechanic haha
I think a '73 has a larger wheel than your '81 would have had. And there was also a sport wheel offered in 78+ that was smaller than the standard wheel.

Sounds like you may have some alignment issues. If you let go of the wheel, the jeep should just drive straight, unless the road has a lot of crown on it or something. Or you may have some slop caused by warn out components that required micro-adjustments back and forth.

A smaller wheel will tighten up steering, and give better feel. It can make steering more responsive, and if its too small, make the vehicle darty as the dead zone will become a bit smaller.
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Lti57
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Re: Aftermarket steering wheel questions

Post by Lti57 »

I just prefer the stock dia.
For me the leverage of turning the wheel is better.
Yes he roads here suck the bigger dia wheel helps
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mjdriver
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Re: Aftermarket steering wheel questions

Post by mjdriver »

So I measured my stock one , 15-15 1/2" so I think I'm going to go with a 13 1/2. I feel like it's way overkill for a power steering truck. I'll post back when new one is on, and if it fits.

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Lti57
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Re: Aftermarket steering wheel questions

Post by Lti57 »

Definitely need pictures 😜
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Re: Aftermarket steering wheel questions

Post by mjdriver »

Well got it installed today. I don't think it's too bad for an ebay wheel, I definitely like it alot better than the stock. Only thing I had to modify was the horn wire, the retainer was different, so I just spliced the original wire into the new one. one.Image

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Re: Aftermarket steering wheel questions

Post by Stuka »

Looks pretty good. How's it feel driving?
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Re: Aftermarket steering wheel questions

Post by mjdriver »

Stuka wrote:Looks pretty good. How's it feel driving?
Good, feels like it sped up the gearbox ratio, even gave me a little more leg room.

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Lti57
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Re: Aftermarket steering wheel questions

Post by Lti57 »

Looks nice
Good looking interior
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Re: Aftermarket steering wheel questions

Post by mjdriver »

Lti57 wrote:Looks nice
Good looking interior
Thanks

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