Steering wheel spacer?

B

BTD

New member
Hi all,

I'm a newbie to T4R, but I've been around the Yota scene for a while (previously had a clean 3rd gen manual w/ locker). Just got into a 4th gen and I'm loving the added room and power, but had a question. I'm tall, so I ahve to lean the seat back to fit comfortably in my '05 with a sunroof because of the limited headroom. I don't mind the seating position, but the steering wheel is so damn far away that it can be uncomfortable at times. My runner doesn't have a telescoping wheel, so I'm curious if anyone has ever tried a steering wheel spacer to move it ~1" closer. It seems like it would be a great (cheap) way to make the interior more comfortable for us tall guys.

I'm happy to try it for the forum, but I'm not familiar with the 4Runner steering setup at all, or modifying steering wheels in general. Is there a particular spline count or diameter I need to pay attention to? Any tips for disassembly/reassembly? Is this something that's even feasible or is the swap to a telescoping column more economical?

Looking for opinions. I'll post a build thread sometime soon, lots going on with my Runner including a possible new set of front/rear bumpers that may soon be available. But first, lets see if this is possible. :biggrin1:
 
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I was thinking all 4th gens has the telescoping wheel. My 03 SR5 does and the 03 brochures says it is standard. Not sure about later years though.
 
Just in case; the telescope release lever is on the bottom of the steering column, not on the side with the tilt.
 
Trust me, I've checked multiple times, there's nothing there. I assumed it would have been a standard feature too, but mine 100% doesn't have one. :(
 
BTD (or anyone else),

It's been over a year since the OP (and I'm new here, so just found this through searching) so I'm wondering if you tried this yet. I'm in exactly the same situation... tall, need the seat back, but have to reach (even with very long arms) to the wheel. I've been seriously considering trying to install ~1-1.5" spacers to pull the wheel toward me a bit.

I've read folks saying they don't care about the telescoping feature because they "don't use it" but just adjust it once and forget it. Well, the point isn't to to adjust it regularly, it's to be able to adjust it at all!

For me the seating position is okay (seat cushion support may be a bit worn) but long-term I'll need to figure out a way to be more comfortable with the steering wheel reach.

Mine is an '04 SR5 4x4 4.7, tilt but no telescope. I've seen the exploded diagram, and spacing it looks like a possibility. Any successes? issues? or advice on what the shafts can handle for extension?
 
brian.j said:
BTD (or anyone else),

It's been over a year since the OP (and I'm new here, so just found this through searching) so I'm wondering if you tried this yet. I'm in exactly the same situation... tall, need the seat back, but have to reach (even with very long arms) to the wheel. I've been seriously considering trying to install ~1-1.5" spacers to pull the wheel toward me a bit.

I've read folks saying they don't care about the telescoping feature because they "don't use it" but just adjust it once and forget it. Well, the point isn't to to adjust it regularly, it's to be able to adjust it at all!

For me the seating position is okay (seat cushion support may be a bit worn) but long-term I'll need to figure out a way to be more comfortable with the steering wheel reach.

Mine is an '04 SR5 4x4 4.7, tilt but no telescope. I've seen the exploded diagram, and spacing it looks like a possibility. Any successes? issues? or advice on what the shafts can handle for extension?
Click to expand...

I thought all 4th gens had telescopic steering columns. Well, I can say that I am doubting that you could fit a spacer in there. I have torn my steering wheel apart for misc. reasons, and I do not think that there is enough space on the spline for that. Not to mention, I would hate for you to accidentally blow the airbag. I am 6'2" so I understand your dilemma. My hair gets "crushed" on the moonroof sliding cover when it is closed. And yet, in my wife's little Infinit EX35, I have plenty of headroom... WTH?
 
preacher35 said:
I thought all 4th gens had telescopic steering columns. Well, I can say that I am doubting that you could fit a spacer in there. I have torn my steering wheel apart for misc. reasons, and I do not think that there is enough space on the spline for that. Not to mention, I would hate for you to accidentally blow the airbag. I am 6'2" so I understand your dilemma. My hair gets "crushed" on the moonroof sliding cover when it is closed. And yet, in my wife's little Infinit EX35, I have plenty of headroom... WTH?
Click to expand...

my 04 sr5 does not have the telescoping feature
 
preacher35 said:
I thought all 4th gens had telescopic steering columns.
Click to expand...

Yes, I've read that a number of times, and yet... it seems there's quite a number of us whose steering columns only tilt. I'd LOVE for someone to demonstrate how to make mine move closer. I've considered searching junkyards for a telescoping column, but this is my busy season and I've had my 4R for only a few weeks so I'm still getting accustomed to a number of idiosyncrasies.

I know it sounds nit-picky, but long-term I'll need to find a more comfortable position. I too am 6'2", with most of my height in my lanky limbs, but even putting the seat close enough to cramp my legs the wheel pulls my shoulders forward. Feels like whining, but I like being comfy when I drive.

I too have concerns about setting off an air-bag, but with precautions I think that can be managed at least enough to investigate possible solutions. If anyone has other suggestions, I'm all ears!
 
I'm 6'3" and a pretty big dude. Telescoping feature definitely saves me , surprised you don't have it. [MENTION=87687]LTDSC[/MENTION] , any input on this?
 
brian.j said:
I too am 6'2", with most of my height in my lanky limbs, but even putting the seat close enough to cramp my legs the wheel pulls my shoulders forward. Feels like whining, but I like being comfy when I drive.
Click to expand...

Screw that! Shoot, if my Runner was not "cozy", you'd hear me whining, *****ing and throwing stuff out of frustration. This is America dammit! A man (and woman for that matter) deserves to be comfortable in his/her ride.
 
wyanrard said:
I'm 6'3" and a pretty big dude. Telescoping feature definitely saves me , surprised you don't have it. [MENTION=87687]LTDSC[/MENTION] , any input on this?
Click to expand...

Mine telescopes out so I can lean and get a great angle on the wheel. My seat bracket modification was still my favorite to date.
 
I am 6'2" as well. This was my main concern and comment for the guy who sold me mine. I said "The only problem I have is the lack of head room." He said this tends to be a common problem with SUV's. I haven't driven a lot, so I can't speak for that though.

I do find it odd that you have no telescoping ability. Mine has this and is an 06 Limited.
 
Found a steering wheel spacer

I know this is an old thread. But I found a steering wheel spacer that works great. It's made for the Toyota 86, but I just installed it on my 4th gen. The wires to the airbag, etc. are just long enough. It's a quality part made from machined steel.

Steering Spacer 86 FRS BRZ
 
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