FJ40 Steering

[Ralph140]

I have an October 72 (production date) FJ40 that has GM power steering using the original L/C column and steering wheel. I'd like to replace the wheel with a smaller one that is a direct fit or a kit that is a clean DIY type.
Can someone let me know if they know of a direct replacement? Or, if the 72 and 73 share the same shaft size and spline count as well as turn signal mechanisms? Grant makes a steering wheel kit for the 73 L/C. Anyone have any feedback on Grant steering wheel kits?
Thank you

 

[Racer65]

I'd like to replace the wheel with a smaller one that is a direct fit or a kit that is a clean DIY type. Can someone let me know if they know of a direct replacement?

I wouldn't do it. You will lose leverage when you switch to a smaller steering wheel, making your steering harder to turn. Besides, nothing looks quite right on a FJ40 besides the OEM steering wheel.

 

[JohnnyC]

Everything you need to know is here: Grant Steering Wheel on 6/72 FJ40 Column, should it look this ugly?

 

[delmandi]

I agree, nothing goes as good as original, mine came with a crap GM column and little wheel, that stuff got ripped out as soon as I found a suitable stock column and wheel.

 

[SouthBostonFJ40]

An 80 series non-airbag steering wheel will fit.

 

[kerplunk]

I wouldn't do it. You will lose leverage when you switch to a smaller steering wheel, making your steering harder to turn. Besides, nothing looks quite right on a FJ40 besides the OEM steering wheel.

I'm of the same opinion as as the OP with mine. After converting to power steering, I don't need the leverage. And the additional wheel size makes a lot extra to turn, which doesn't automatically straighten out as fast as manual steering would when pulling out of parking lots, etc.

 

[honk]

After converting to power steering, I don't need the leverage. And the additional wheel size makes a lot extra to turn, which doesn't automatically straighten out as fast as manual steering would when pulling out of parking lots, etc.

All true until something goes wrong in the power steering. If the belt breaks, the pump fails, a hose leaks the effort to turn will be much higher. This would be hard to manage on streets and near impossible off roads.

 

[Landpimp]

Later models 40's had a smaller wheel(same size PS or manual) size is a bit bigger than a 60 series but smaller than say a 78 which is smaller than say a 65

 

[Ralph140]

Thanks to you all. I don't think I will go with the Grant aftermarket, looks like a pretty bad idea, (wheel itself looks good though!) My column produced 10/72 is not like the one pictured, it does not have the turn signal rod, nor is the base adjustable, I would end up with the big gap. It has a big plastic collar that slips over the ignition system and blinker assembly. I would like to see some installation pictures of the 80 series and PU swaps on the late model column for the 72 L/c.

 

[Ralph140]

One last question, what particular years have people used in the 80 series steering wheel swap?

 

[mdsims]

A while back someone posted, in a build thread, of a shop they sent their wheel to. The shop cut off the outer ring, added one an inch or two smaller, reattached the stock hub and arms, then reexpoxied the entire wheel. The result was 100% stock appearance, true to the year, but slightly smaller. That's what I'd do, driving my 71 reminds me of Kramer, "so now I'm driving the bus!"

 

[Weber Sarge]

My 80 series wheel is from a '95 - non air bag model .
I did have to drill new holes and move the turn signal cancel pins .
Sarge