Switch to OEM steering wheel as an upgrade

[abn373]

I am just throwing this out there as a possible steering solution for folks with issues to explore. I was looking at parts online and keep seeing steering wheels and I recalled that I had a name brand aftermarket steering wheel on my 73 (OEM power steering, 3in susp, 35" tires) and I THINK it was a 13.5in but I may be wrong. It handled terribly...it handled like a video game that had some lag in it for lack of a better example. I had put it on during the "build" because my OEM wheel was cracked and I thought the aftermarket wheels looked cooler. I ended up buying a used OEM wheel with the horn ring off ebay and my steering dramatically improved... I mean night and day.

I wonder how many street related steering issues we see here may be related to steering wheel diameter or perhaps the length offset is making the ratios not feel and handle correct.

 

[bronconut73]

I would never switch out my stock '73 wheel.
I have driven eb's with those little steering wheels. Awful....lol.

I have also been hanging onto this same wheel in my eb for 35 years...it ain't going anywhere, lol

 

[broncodriver99]

I agree. My Bronco had one of the Grant 14" wheels in it when I bought it. Had to use both hands on it to feel any amount of control. I swapped in a van tilt column with a stock 16" wheel and it was night and day. I can cruise one handed now and much less wander.

 

[Justafordguy]

I have a 14" wheel on mine now and have always liked the way a stock diameter wheel felt better. I wonder why aftermarket stock diameter wheels are so hard to find?

 

[Rustytruck]

With a small wheel i feel like a T-rex with short arms. I rest my arm on the door and reach out for the stock wheel its a perfect fit. Small wheel leaves me hanging. Don't fix what isnt broke. Friends Bronco with 13" wheel is a pain to drive. we both have the same 33" X 12.5" X 15" tire size.

 

[noreasteb]

Funny this came up just now. Last week, after much hesitation, I purchased a new OEM wheel for my 77. It replaced the old grant 14" three spoke and I feel like I am driving a completely different rig. It is amazing and regret not doing it sooner. The steering is soooo much tighter. Really loving it.

 

[broncodriver99]

I wonder why aftermarket stock diameter wheels are so hard to find?

I think because most of them are "go fast" parts. Rooted in the drag racing world where going straight is all that matters.

There are some nice wheels available in the larger sizes but they are pricey.

 

[rbrodder]

Love the thread, I couldn't get rid of the aftermarket wheel on my 72 fast enough...Went back to stock and then found a nice tight fitting old school leather steering wheel cover to put on it. !!

 

[abn373]

Love the thread, I couldn't get rid of the aftermarket wheel on my 72 fast enough...Went back to stock and then found a nice tight fitting old school leather steering wheel cover to put on it. !!

Ha, funny you mention that, I have a cover that is supposed to arrive today. Supposed to be a "sew on" type vs the wrap thing. I guess that would be great if I was good at sewing at all. Hope its easier than it sounds.

 

[DirtDonk]

It's not...%)
Well, it's not actually difficult unless your fingers have issues. But it does take a lot of time.
At least in my case it does, but the results have always been worth it to me. I used the old vinyl w/wrap strapping first, and it worked out just fine for years. But when it wore out and I tried the more expensive leather with waxed string stitching, I was hooked!

Definitely has a better feel and a tighter fit. And lasts a long time too, if you're not too abusive.
But it takes time to do right.

Paul

 

[abn373]

Finally put it on yesterday. You are right it takes awhile but came out nicer than the old 80s style with the outside wrap. I am happy with the results for me because mine is far from any kind of show truck.
$12.00, 1 hour, 2 beers.
No more black stuff on my hands from the 45 year old oxidized plastic.

 

[DirtDonk]

That looks great! Like the black a lot. I did tan on my first, and that reddish-brown (very nice elegant look) on my next. Figure I'll do black next now that I see yours.
The gray ones would be nice and match my Mustang seats, but most of them are too light of a gray. If they were darker they'd be perfect.

Thanks for posting up the results.

Paul

 

[abn373]

Thanks.
For what it is worth, its an Aully Park genuine leather wrap size "L-" I only say that because the minus part is what makes it work for the skinny Bronco OEM wheel. They have other colors and I am sure you could change the stitching color to make it sporty or something. I got it off Amazon for $12.99
Annoyed that picture I sent made it look like the stitching at the bottom isn't centered...it is...that was the hardest part bc once you start you cant slide it around to adjust.

 

[abn373]

Now I almost feel like I have to refinish my horn ring piece. Its pitted up. Not sure how I would do that. I didn't think it was painted, other than the faded black center accents.

 

[bronkenn]

Finally put it on yesterday. You are right it takes awhile but came out nicer than the old 80s style with the outside wrap. I am happy with the results for me because mine is far from any kind of show truck.
$12.00, 1 hour, 2 beers.
No more black stuff on my hands from the 45 year old oxidized plastic.

That is a good idea and looks nice. I am going to refinish my original steering wheel and that is a nice touch. Ken

 

[Justafordguy]

Finally put it on yesterday. You are right it takes awhile but came out nicer than the old 80s style with the outside wrap. I am happy with the results for me because mine is far from any kind of show truck.
$12.00, 1 hour, 2 beers.
No more black stuff on my hands from the 45 year old oxidized plastic.

That turned out awesome, now if I can just find a decent stock wheel I'll be doing that to mine soon.