Steering Wheel and Airbag Swap, Compatibility?

[Yoter]

Sadly I am on the hunt for another 4runner :hurt:
I found a really nice 97 but I cant stand the 2 spoke steering wheel.
I know this topic has been brought up before but I don't recall there ever being a definitive answer.
1) Can a later 98-2002 four spoke steering wheel bolt up to a 96-97 4runner?
2) And would the airbag work / plug and play?

 

[GX4SEVEND]

Ask rickashay about that is300 steering wheel. That looks sweet on his 80.

 

[JohnsD90]

Sadly I am on the hunt for another 4runner :hurt:
I found a really nice 97 but I cant stand the 2 spoke steering wheel.
I know this topic has been brought up before but I don't recall there ever being a definitive answer.
1) Can a later 98-2002 four spoke steering wheel bolt up to a 96-97 4runner?
2) And would the airbag work / plug and play?

The older steering wheel is nicer to drive with, it looks worse but it is more comfortable.

 

[Robb235]

I'd love to find a steering wheel with radio controls that swaps right in to the 4Runner.

 

[IBallEngineer]

Sadly I am on the hunt for another 4runner :hurt:
I found a really nice 97 but I cant stand the 2 spoke steering wheel.
I know this topic has been brought up before but I don't recall there ever being a definitive answer.
1) Can a later 98-2002 four spoke steering wheel bolt up to a 96-97 4runner?
2) And would the airbag work / plug and play?

[MENTION=82289]Yoter[/MENTION] I think you are just the person needed to solve this mystery. Personally I like the early wheel better. If you find out it works I'll swap with you, provided the wheels are in equal shape. Why couldn't we arrange an early and a late 3rd gen owner meeting to solve this once and for all. I know they would bolt up, the real question is the airbag compatibility. In a worst case scenario, we put your bag in my truck, connect the battery, and the airbag goes BOOM. If it doesn't and the SRS light stays off, we're golden!

Do you live near Southern California?

:couch2:

 

[zacattack20]

It will work but you need the clock spring, as well as the steering wheel and airbag. The connectors are different for the different airbags.

 

[Yoter]

[MENTION=82289]Yoter[/MENTION] I think you are just the person needed to solve this mystery. Personally I like the early wheel better. If you find out it works I'll swap with you, provided the wheels are in equal shape. Why couldn't we arrange an early and a late 3rd gen owner meeting to solve this once and for all. I know they would bolt up, the real question is the airbag compatibility. In a worst case scenario, we put your bag in my truck, connect the battery, and the airbag goes BOOM. If it doesn't and the SRS light stays off, we're golden!

Do you live near Southern California?

:couch2:

Thanks for the offer, I am up in Berkeley (near SF)
Unfortunately I don't have the car yet but if I get it I will take you up on that offer, although the steering wheel on this one might be shot its high miles 195k
I am still trying to get in contact with the seller but really hope this works I just want to get another 4runner again, miss mine too much.

 

[Yoter]

It will work but you need the clock spring, as well as the steering wheel and airbag. The connectors are different for the different airbags.

Even thought the connectors are different would the sensors for the earlier one stage bag work on the later 2 stage? Or do i need to plan on getting new sensors as well?

 

[zacattack20]

Even thought the connectors are different would the sensors for the earlier one stage bag work on the later 2 stage? Or do i need to plan on getting new sensors as well?

Sorry I don't have any idea about that but I wouldn't think you would need to change sensors but I am just guessing.