40 / 55 series to Hilux (mini-truck) steering wheel swap

[tomcolins]

I posted on the minitruck board where I usually lurk but got no response to speak of...

https://forum.ih8mud.com/79-95-toyota-truck-tech/454050-40-hilux-steering-wheel-swap.html

But I am curious if anyone knows the dimensions from a late production (say '74 to '80?) I'm guessing here...

I'd like to know the diameter at the base (where it meets the column) and what size shaft / nut it is mounted with. Overall diameter could be helpful too...

I kinda like the Landcruiser roots of the Hilux. I think the hubcaps were the initial inspiration, but I like big, dangerous, hard plastic wheels and the extra diameter could help a bit with non PS...

Really I just want a retro thing...

And my horn stopped working...

Which brings up another compatability issue, though unless someone has done this, I'm not sure if I expect an answer as to whether the horn contact ring can be made to work...


Anyway, Thoughts / dimensions?

 

[msapers]

I had an 83 toyota 4x4 truck. There's no way an FJ40 wheel would fit without hitting something, it's just too big. I did have a shortened FJ40 gas pedal in mine though.

 

[tomcolins]

Well, I'm pretty skinny... But maybe you are right....

What's the diameter?

 

[tomcolins]

Nobody has an old steeringwheel sitting in the shop?

Nobody bored and milling around in the driveway?

Or while you are reading tech posts on your iPhone you could measure the wheel while driving and write back w. the other hand... Shifting with your right knee and steering with your left. You might have to put the big gulp down...

Also if you wreck your truck and it turns out that the wheel is compatible... Can I have it?

 

[msahr]

Wait you want to put a stock 40 series steering wheel in a Hilux?

 

[tomcolins]

Yep. Sure do. It will be brilliant. Don't fear...

And why not? It'll be better than a Nardi or a Momo. For that matter, better than whatever you can get at Track Auto as well.

My steering wheel looks to be 15 1/4" in in diameter with a base at the column of somewhere around 3 1/2" in. (the latter is an eyeball guess with a ruler, the diameter of the wheel is within 1/8th of an inch.)

I'm guessing the 40 wheel is around 18" in in diameter. No idea on the base. Doesn't look too big in any photos I can find. If it was 4", maybe up to 4 1/2" in I think it will fit. any bigger, no dice. A bit smaller, I see no problem.

The shaft may be an issue, as may the horn contact ring... I'll cross that bridge if the size checks out...


Find out anything?

 

[KB45]

Just measured the steering wheel on my 77 45, it is 17" in diameter at the largest, by about 3.25" at the base. I would imagine this would be the same as for 40's of the same year. HTH

Cheers!
KB

EDIT: I have a 42 that I am wrecking out, I can pull and measure that wheel this weekend if ya like

 

[MoCoNative]

I know this much, A 1984 FJ60 wheel and a 1973 FJ40 wheel will swap. The splines on the shaft are the same, the horn ring works, etc...

I think it is all very doable, but it may be a tad big a mini cab. As I recall early 40's have like an 18" wheel, then after 75 or so they shrunk to a 17, but I'm not positive. As I recall the FJ60 wheel is like 16 or something, it is definetly smaller than my 40, but they had power steering, so it makes sense. I think they may have been the same as a mini, the cloumn is very similar, wheel center is different.

40 wheels are all black except the very late model ones those may be gray. 60 wheels are gray and brown.

 

[tomcolins]

Just measured the steering wheel on my 77 45, it is 17" in diameter at the largest, by about 3.25" at the base. I would imagine this would be the same as for 40's of the same year. HTH

Cheers!
KB

EDIT: I have a 42 that I am wrecking out, I can pull and measure that wheel this weekend if ya like

Good news, that sounds fine. 17 in would be perfect, that only really adds 1 inch all around which shouldn't get in the way too much. Like I said, I'm kinda skinny. The 3 1/4" base should work too. Cool.

If the 42 has a similar wheel to the 40 let me know what you'd like to get for it if you are parting it out... I may check around Austin this weekend when I'm there as I'm not sure what the shipping would be from B.C. but keep me posted and thinks for the dimensions!

 

[tomcolins]

I know this much, A 1984 FJ60 wheel and a 1973 FJ40 wheel will swap. The splines on the shaft are the same, the horn ring works, etc...

I think it is all very doable, but it may be a tad big a mini cab. As I recall early 40's have like an 18" wheel, then after 75 or so they shrunk to a 17, but I'm not positive. As I recall the FJ60 wheel is like 16 or something, it is definetly smaller than my 40, but they had power steering, so it makes sense. I think they may have been the same as a mini, the cloumn is very similar, wheel center is different.

40 wheels are all black except the very late model ones those may be gray. 60 wheels are gray and brown.

Cool. That is encouraging if the 60 wheels will swap as well. The first generation hilux seems a lot closer in some respects to a 40 than a 60 in terms of creature comforts and technological what-have-you (or lack there of).

I had planned for a 18" wheel, but a 17" wheel would be better as you are right that it might be a tight fit... Mostly for the driver... but if mine is just over 15" then 17" only adds 1 inch all around (18" adds 1 1/2" - either way not impossible). I think that would be fine.

Now I will begin my search for a really cheap wheel...

I'll keep you all posted.

Thanks for the help!

 

[KillerPea]

I might be interested in a swap myself..if the Hilux wheel will fit my 40 I guess that's the big question. I'm running full hydro, so I don't really need the bus wheel.
If the swap doesn't work out...anyone have an FJ60 wheel/horn button that could be had for cheap? A 16 inch wheel would be perfect.