DIY: Steering wheel replacement with black wood wheel

So what are peoples' feelings on the funky fat grips on the bottom sides of the wheel? They look like something from a spaceship. I'm just not sure I could get used to them, just wondering how people like them?

128381d1408940465-diy-steering-wheel-replacement-black-wood-wheel-web.jpg


On a clock they'd be about 4 and 8

I'm not sure what you're referring to exactly, but if you're saying that the wheel is a little more fat at 4 o'clock and 8 o'clock, it doesn't seem to be bothering me so far. Do you have the wheel? If so, does it make it hard to turn?
 
I'm not sure what you're referring to exactly, but if you're saying that the wheel is a little more fat at 4 o'clock and 8 o'clock, it doesn't seem to be bothering me so far. Do you have the wheel? If so, does it make it hard to turn?
He doesn't have this wheel. To answer your question, I don't have issues turning. I love my wheel more and more every day :)
 
I'm not sure what you're referring to exactly, but if you're saying that the wheel is a little more fat at 4 o'clock and 8 o'clock, it doesn't seem to be bothering me so far. Do you have the wheel? If so, does it make it hard to turn?

No, I didn't buy that wheel because I didn't like the look of the fatter grips at 4 and 8 o'clock. I wanted something closer to stock, just wondering what other peoples' thoughts were
 
No, I didn't buy that wheel because I didn't like the look of the fatter grips at 4 and 8 o'clock. I wanted something closer to stock, just wondering what other peoples' thoughts were

Ah, perhaps you can get the wheel that one of the other members got in error and was offered a full refund? That one seemed closer maybe to what you're looking for?
 
Ah, perhaps you can get the wheel that one of the other members got in error and was offered a full refund? That one seemed closer maybe to what you're looking for?

I already bought a Lexus GX470 wheel, I posted pics a page or 2 back. I was just wondering peoples' impressions of the big goofy grips on this wheel
 
I already bought a Lexus GX470 wheel, I posted pics a page or 2 back. I was just wondering peoples' impressions of the big goofy grips on this wheel

Just looked at your pics - very nice wheel!

I think I'm just so happy not to have to use the base SR5 wheel that goofy grips is not a big concern of mine.

Hasn't seem to have caused any crashes or poor turning, and my hands are comfortable, so not sure how else we can measure poor performance, if that's what we are discussing (not saying we are).
 
Goofy grips? Depends....................

I guess those grips at 9 and 3 o'clock are "safe" being that many driver's manuals say those are where the driver should hold the wheel. Whatever, I hold mine at 12 and the other hand on the shifter.

Whichever wheel one gets, it's a nice upgrade to our trucks. Makes it feel/look "new". I dunno about you guys, but I plan on keeping mine for a very long time.
 
I guess those grips at 9 and 3 o'clock are "safe" being that many driver's manuals say those are where the driver should hold the wheel. Whatever, I hold mine at 12 and the other hand on the shifter.



Whichever wheel one gets, it's a nice upgrade to our trucks. Makes it feel/look "new". I dunno about you guys, but I plan on keeping mine for a very long time.


I usually have my right arm on the center console (there's a crater in the foam from my elbow) and my left arm on my lap holding the wheel at about 6:30 or 7

If I'm not doing that, it's right arm center console, left on window sill holding it at 9

Or just 12 like Ed said

And I also plan on keeping this truck until the wheels fall off
 
No, I didn't buy that wheel because I didn't like the look of the fatter grips at 4 and 8 o'clock. I wanted something closer to stock, just wondering what other peoples' thoughts were
I personally like the more subtle grips. What seller did you get yours from and how well does it match the rest of the interior?
 
You just need to trim you sh*t so your wood doesn't rub the wrong way..............

Finally found some time to install. As [MENTION=93434]gshadow325[/MENTION] says in the first page of his instructions, you need to pay attention to the bottom two "spokes" of the wheel for proper fitment. He also says trimming will be involved. Top part has screws and fitment is fine. What you will be trimming is the "rubber/plastic/foam" material that is adhered to the metal frame. Some folks had some rubbing issues and some didn't. I think the key to NOT having this issue is to trim what I mentioned AND trim the rear steering wheel cover (shown in pics below). After spending a few hours trimming/cutting both components, I had a clean install. You know when you are finished trimming when the bottom clips of the cover "clip" onto the rubber/plastic/foam of the steering wheel.

On the back cover, trim where it meets the steering wheel AND the end of the 2 spokes. If you don't, the clips (or hooks) will never attach to the wheel like the original steering wheel.
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Trim the rubber/plastic/foam on the wheel like so. It's much easier to show pictures. When you have the wheel, you'll see exactly what I mean.
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When you are done (and have test fitted for the 928374928375 time), the clips will hold onto the wheel.
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Said clips:
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Don't mind the gap!!! Lots of gap, no rubbing equals lots of winning!
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Faptastic!!:D
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Special thanks to [MENTION=93434]gshadow325[/MENTION] and [MENTION=63211]emelianenkov[/MENTION] . Alex for bullying me into getting this and Steve for introducing this cool wheel and basically showing us how to install it.

:thumb3:
 
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Forgot to post the photo of the clearance on mine, attached below. Just took some patience with trimming/fitting and it fit fine.
 

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At least your gauges and hvac look good, [MENTION=50507]CookieRoe[/MENTION]

Actually, I had someone on the forum PM me regarding my cluster. They really liked it. I recommended ya. This was a few hours ago................ you may get a PM
 
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Too lazy to look back, but I thought a couple more had the same problem. Didn't Steve say his was starting to make a little noise (rub)?

it was not RUB it was FAP FAP lol every time i touch it HAHAHA

Actually, I had someone on the forum PM me regarding my cluster. They really liked it. I recommended ya. This was a few hours ago................ you may get a PM

ditto, someone in ohio named kirk i think. he said he sent it out to you already!
 

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