Steering Wheel Upgrade

[bkrama0314]

Hey guys,

I am trying to see if i can do some retrofitting to upgrade my steering wheel.

Earlier last spring, I tried adding factory steering wheel phone controls I got from CruiserPatch and installing it with an interface, and confirmed that they do not work on my truck— the interface only supports 2001+ LX470 / 100-series, which matches what I’ve read about early models, and obviously as stated, the phone controls are ancient and don't work anymore. I have a Kenwood DMX809s stereo.

Now I’m being told that swapping in a 2001–2007 LX470 steering wheel + matching clockspring + airbag will make the controls work, but I’m skeptical. They’re also sourced from overseas, and I know it can be a hit or miss. I have heard in the past that 2003+ won't fit a 1998-02. But then again I've heard they do.

Questions:

1. Has anyone with a 1998–early 2000 LX470 actually gotten factory steering wheel controls from 2003-2007 working or the nakamichi steering wheel control?
2. Does changing the wheel/clockspring add SWC functionality, or is the vehicle-side wiring missing on early trucks?
3. Is there any realistic way to make SWCs work on a 1999 without custom electronics?

I just want to be able to confirm before spending money.

Thanks

Below are the ones I am considering.

 

[excessive]

 

[hotdawwgman]

I am interested to learn if this is a possible for my 2000

 

[Trunk Monkey]

I would dig around on the EWD between the two models and see what exists or doesn't as far as the wiring.

 

[fogblanket]

Ok i have started down this route. my LC steering wheel from Pakistan arrived yesterday (had to wait about 6 weeks for it) and it is beutiful. and it came with an airbag and the steering wheel controls !!!
so back story, i have a 2001 LC that came with the factory Nav

. my dad and I buil the LC for overlanding, and he opted for the GROM and it lasted a solid 8 months. i think the Nav unit just failed but who knows for sure. My dad had 4 years living out of it and traveling the west until his final year he took the truck to the Arctic and Baja and back to Rhode island and upon his return he devastatingly lost a battle with cancer shortly after this bucket list trip.
So we bought the parts for the center consul swap and chickened out before his trip. I finally did it , 54 wire splices later, i have a double din Pioneer head unit skipping the factory amp and driving some marine grade Polk audio speakers. it puts out decent sound and I haven't needed to buy an amp or a sub-woofer (factory one removed for water tank).
So since i am finding info everywhere i figure i would just add to this thread since it is relevant to it. so I have ordered from Crutchfeild
Axxess ASWC-1 Steering Wheel Control Adapter
i have a 12 wire clock spring (84306-60080) for a 03-07 Lexus 470 coming from Clock Spring Experts | Overnight Shipping Available - https://clockspringexperts.com/, then hopefully I can find what wires connect to the ASWC-1 pigtail from the clock spring. or find someone who has done it. it has to be easier than eliminating the Nav unit. If I do find the wires (and the apropriate plug if need be) I will update my post.

side note I do have visions of the airbag going off the first time I hit volume up.