Can't decide on new steering wheel size 13", 14", or 15" w/ power steering

[slickrock]

I need to replace my stock steering wheel on my 73 FJ40 with 60 Series power steering. My steering is very tight (little to no slop when turning left or right).

I would like to get a smaller steering wheel. I am 5'10" with Honda Civic seats. To install them, I had to make brackets that make me sit about an inch taller than stock. This puts the stock wheel about 2"s from my legs.

Since I have the 60 series power steering (running 35" tires), I could go with a smaller than stock wheel to give me more room and make things a bit more comfortable for long trips and less arm waving while wheeling. I can't decide on a 13", 14" or 15" wheel. I am leaning towards 13" but is this too small?

I did search, but didn't find a lot on opinions about a person's wheel size.

Thanks.

 

[MoCoNative]

From driving a stock 73 and a 60 series, I would say get one the same size as a 60. They are about an inch smaller than a 40. A 60 series wheel will go right on your 73, I have tried it for the hell of it.

I say this, as there are times, even in my stock 60, that the powersteering is still stiff, and you need the leverage of the wheel to turn it. However, the wheel is noticably smaller than my 40, despite only being an inch or so smaller.

 

[fj404life]

Dont mess around with a 13"!!! Go for the chromey chain 10"!!!

 

[slickrock]

I thought that would have been the first post. Guess yo momma was'n too slow remind'n you!

 

[slickrock]

From driving a stock 73 and a 60 series, I would say get one the same size as a 60. They are about an inch smaller than a 40. A 60 series wheel will go right on your 73, I have tried it for the hell of it.

I say this, as there are times, even in my stock 60, that the powersteering is still stiff, and you need the leverage of the wheel to turn it. However, the wheel is noticably smaller than my 40, despite only being an inch or so smaller.

so you think closer to 15"

 

[Mace]

15"
call it good

 

[mtweller]

I have a 4runner wheel in my 40 w/ Saginaw and it is PERFECT - Plus it has a Yoda emblem and was the right price (FREE).

 

[Poser]

I have a 4runner wheel in my 40 w/ Saginaw and it is PERFECT - Plus it has a Yoda emblem and was the right price (FREE).

How does the turn signal cancel work?

 

[mtweller]

I drilled small holes in the appropriate places in the hub and inserted springpins (rollpins, whatever you want to call them). Works perfectly.

 

[hill]

I have a 4runner wheel in my 40 w/ Saginaw and it is PERFECT - Plus it has a Yoda emblem and was the right price (FREE).

how hard was it to modify a 4runner wheel to mount up to the fj steering column?

 

[mtweller]

10 - 15 minutes, seriously.

R

 

[slickrock]

You can find the little round dowels or what ever they are at a Lowes for the turn signal cancel or you could probably contact Grant Wheels and say you lost yours and need new ones.

I picked up a nice Grant GT classic wheel from a member on the board here. I looked up the part number for the install kit in the search function. The only issue I had was I was in a hurry to install and the first time, hooked up the horn wire to the wrong connector on the horn button. When I put it on the horn would go and I didn't check to see if it would go off when I pressed the button. SO 20 minutes later, after going through my horn wires under the hood, I realized I should have hooked the wires up to the middle tap on the button. Works great. The wheel is about 1.5"s smaller than stock, but it sits higher and closer to me and gave me a few more inches leg room. Just perfect for driving with my knee so I can eat on the road

 

[camcruiser13]

Just perfect for driving with my knee so I can eat on the road

nothing like another distracted driver i have to watch out for.

























just kidding i do it all the time

 

[nick]

Glad it worked out for you!

 

[slickrock]

I was being sarcastic :whoops:

 

[msapers]

I have a 72 with saginaw ps. I'm still running the stock wheel and have no problems with clearance. I'm 5'10" and 300 pounds. I used Isuzu Trooper seats which have a built in height adjustment and set them back a few inches until I had enough legroom, comfy as can be!