Leather steering wheel swap

[jason04]

I'm looking for a 5th gen SR5 with cloth seats. Everyone I've found has a non-leather steering wheel. This will not do.

My 4th gen SR5 has a leather wrapped steering wheel and it's something I've come quite accustomed to! So... can you swap a leather wheel with a non-leather wheels?

TIA

 

[UtahSooner]

So... can you swap a leather wheel with a non-leather wheels?

Ha! That was one of my TE complaints before I decided to pull the trigger -- my 2002 3rd Gen Sport Ed. had a leather wheel and I loved it. My 2010 TE does not...

Check out the parts manual p. 60 -- leather wheel is ~ $762. I decided it was too much $$ at the time and I've gotten used to the non-leather wheel. I may swap it out at some point, just can't justify it right now...

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/92594-modifications-write-ups-quick-links.html

Let us know how it goes if you decide to pony up for the swap. I'm guessing it's a relatively straightforward swap...

 

[westwind77]

I'm looking for a 5th gen SR5 with cloth seats. Everyone I've found has a non-leather steering wheel. This will not do.

TIA

That will be the case as long as you look....unless you get the leather package, then you get the leather wheel....and leather wrapped shift knob (but that is easy to change).

 

[sage1]

Why won't Toyota allow the leather pkg to be ordered in the Trail. While some may not like it, others would. They're in it to make money, it should be an option.

 

[Carl Spackler]

Why won't Toyota allow the leather pkg to be ordered in the Trail. While some may not like it, others would. They're in it to make money, it should be an option.

I think they (Toyota) are thinking it's a 'Trail Edition.' Meant for the TRAIL.

Rock climbing at a 30 degree right angle with leather under your butt makes things a little slick. You'd slide right out of your chair. That, and the idea that you'd get dirty/wet while on the trail, thus the water resistant fabric.

I do wish for at least a leather wheel.

 

[1engineer]

Do like some did: Get a limited, buy 3K worth of components, get them painted and installed for another 2K, add another 3K in lift and boom you have a trail with leather

 

[Crit Rat]

Do like some did: Get a limited, buy 3K worth of components, get them painted and installed for another 2K, add another 3K in lift and boom you have a trail with leather

Or just get leather installed in the Trail. Katzkin makes some nice stuff!

I'm considering that along with having seat heaters installed. Actually I'll probably keep the Trail fabric and have seat heaters installed.


However, I too would like a leather steering wheel in the Trail. My '97 SR5 has a leather wheel, for Pete's sake.

 

[1engineer]

Or just get leather installed in the Trail. Katzkin makes some nice stuff!

I'm considering that along with having seat heaters installed. Actually I'll probably keep the Trail fabric and have seat heaters installed.


However, I too would like a leather steering wheel in the Trail. My '97 SR5 has a leather wheel, for Pete's sake.

Yea but you won't get the torsen differential that gives you full time four wheel drive with the same efficiency as my SR5. That is why they do it.

 

[phillyd2]

Do like some did: Get a limited, buy 3K worth of components, get them painted and installed for another 2K, add another 3K in lift and boom you have a trail with leather

I'm doing the mod now. Parts came to about $2.2k, painting / clear coating done by a friend and we will be doing the install. However I did get it quoted from a local body shop mostly to confirm the parts needed and they did quote $5.5k. Ouch!

 

[PracticalFJ]

The wholesale price on that leather steering wheel is approx $562 if I remember correctly.

For around $40 bucks and an hour of your time, you can purchase a wheelskins perforated leather steering wheel wrap. As long as you take your time with the install it should come out pretty good.

I love mine, the black blends in well with the interior and the steering wheel (after a year of use and many, many miles) still feels great.

I was very hesitant at first, but figured a $40 try was worth a shot before I purchased an overpriced oem steering wheel only to be left with a used plastic one that nobody would want sitting in my garage.

 

[BFLAN]

Do like some did: Get a limited, buy 3K worth of components, get them painted and installed for another 2K, add another 3K in lift and boom you have a trail with leather

Kinda, just remember that 3k in suspension on an SR5 or Limited would toast a Trail anyday!!!!!

 

[phillyd2]

Kinda, just remember that 3k in suspension on an SR5 or Limited would toast a Trail anyday!!!!!

Yeah but them bas****s got them elockers.

 

[Mick1]

I have the same complaints / desires as you guys. I wanted a leather wheel and seat heaters in the trail.

The local auto interior shop recently quoted me $425 for carbon fiber seat heater installed in both front seats. The price for the heaters on amazon was $189 I recall. So about $237 for labor to install them. I normally do most work myself, but may let them do it and avoid the headache. This is probably an all day job even for a professional.

I researched DIY leather wraps and they seem cheap. For about $500 with shipping both ways this place does a professional job on the steering wheel and shift lever. I have not done it yet.

Dallas Custom Steering Wheel

Wheels:
Dallas Custom Steering Wheel

Shift knob:
Dallas Custom Steering Wheel

info on removing the wheel:
DIY Variable Speed wiper stalk install - Toyota Yaris Forums - Ultimate Yaris Enthusiast Site

 

[BFLAN]

Yeah but them bas****s got them elockers.

Very true

 

[4ShoreRunner]

Check ebay too as they tend to pop up from time to time...

Got my leather steering wheel from a 2011 Limited for $179

 

[brockeverly]

eBay - New & used electronics, cars, apparel, collectibles, sporting goods & more at low prices

Land Cruiser Prado wheels work too. They are normally pricey, and have woodgrain though.

 

[phillyd2]

I guess one would also somehow add airbags

 

[jason04]

I guess one would also somehow add airbags

As I understood it, the air bag is a separate part and the larger center portion of the wheel (the airbag) stays put in the event of a steering wheel swap.... just the outside portion of the steering wheel and audio controls get swapped as that is it's own part.

Thanks for the great information fella's!

Still in my 4th gen and looking to pull the trigger on something in the next few months. A gentleman in town here offer to buy my runner yesterday so the search is on for a new taco or 5th gen to replace my 2005.... very exciting!

BTW- getting the leather pkg SR5 is no bueno as I do not want the leather seats... My preference would be, leather wheel, clothe non-power seats.

 

[T4RunnerTay]

When you go to purchase your 4Runner, make this part of your negotiations. That's what I did.

I have a SR5 with the premium package but I'm in Florida and subject to the tyranny of Southeast Toyota. They install their own leather (both on the seats and the doors) at the port in Jacksonville. They skimp by not giving you a leather steering wheel and shift knob. I wasn't pleased with this so I insisted that they get me a leather steering wheel and shift knob as part of my sale. They did and installed it for free. If you bring this up late in your negotiations, you can get it done for zero additional cost because they just want to close the deal. My 4Runner arrived with the plastic wheel and I drove it that way for a couple of weeks before I got it back in there for the leather one.

The point is, it can be done. I love my leather wrapped steering wheel, way better than the plastic. I also considered the aftermarket options and concluded it would never be the same.

 

[limamike]

The wholesale price on that leather steering wheel is approx $562 if I remember correctly.

For around $40 bucks and an hour of your time, you can purchase a wheelskins perforated leather steering wheel wrap. As long as you take your time with the install it should come out pretty good.

I love mine, the black blends in well with the interior and the steering wheel (after a year of use and many, many miles) still feels great.

I was very hesitant at first, but figured a $40 try was worth a shot before I purchased an overpriced oem steering wheel only to be left with a used plastic one that nobody would want sitting in my garage.

Do you have a picture of this?