Steeringwheel removal

[Jonathan_Ferguson]

I've removed the lower column cover and moved the top cover out of the way, and I've removed the four screws from the rear of the Steeringwheel and this made the rear cover loose but will only move forward a little bit as it compresses the Horn contact. How do I remove the front cover so I can remove the Nut to lift off the Steering so I can then repostion it in the proper straight position?

 

[WarDamnEagle]

Jonathan, on my 85 4Runner there is only one screw through the bottom of the front cover (with steering wheel facing in the normal straight position). If you remove this screw then the cover lifts up from the bottom and slides off. You don't have to remove the steering column cover at all.

 

[Bogo]

There is other stuff in the steering column that needs to line up so generally it is best to realign the steering wheel by adjusting the tie rods. Just add the same number of turns to one side that you take off the other side.

 

[WarDamnEagle]

There is other stuff in the steering column that needs to line up so generally it is best to realign the steering wheel by adjusting the tie rods. Just add the same number of turns to one side that you take off the other side.

I never do that as it will invariably change the toe-in of the tires (no matter how hard you try to keep it the same side to side). I always have taken the steering wheel off and turned it straight. Generally it has taken me three or four tries with road tests in between to get it right.

 

[KLF]

There is other stuff in the steering column that needs to line up so generally it is best to realign the steering wheel by adjusting the tie rods. Just add the same number of turns to one side that you take off the other side.

I'm with WDE. What "other stuff" is there? I'm not aware of any, and I've popped many off. You do need to make sure you re-align the little pins for the collar that cancels the turn signals, but that is easy.

 

[Jukelemon]

When I took mine off, I made sure my wheels were straight ahead. When you put the wheel back on, it is very obvious when it matches and when it does not. Cant speak for others, but on my truck you would have had to be blind not to line it back up ( :

As far as the front cover/horn, it is one screw on the trucks located back bottom center-essentially screwing toward the driver. The 4 screws you are talking about remove the column not the horn.

You will more than likely NOT need a puller. I think it is a 21mm nut. Just remove and wobble the wheel back and forth GENTLY. Should come right off.

You will have to remove the horn wire prior to removing the horn assembly.

 

[Jonathan_Ferguson]

WarDamnEagle, you must have a different style of Steering wheel to mine.

 

[WarDamnEagle]

Yes, they are different. There is only one screw that holds mine on and it is located more or less where the red arrow points. The top is held on by some clips which slide apart once the bottom is free.

I'm pretty sure my FSM outlines the procedure for removal. If it isn't obvious how to remove yours (and it doesn't look obvious to me from the photos) then I would start with the FSM. Sorry that I can't be of more help.

 

[PGH854runner]

My 85 had the same exact same kind of wheel as WarDamnEagle but i put the wheel from a 91 truck on it cause i liked that style better and changing from one to the other was easier than switching a flat tire!........actually we have EXACTLY the same interior except yours has the tach built in(sweet!)and mine is an automatic(boo!)and yours doesn't have 6 niches of mud on the floor! lol

 

[WarDamnEagle]

My 85 had the same exact same kind of wheel as WarDamnEagle but i put the wheel from a 91 truck on it cause i liked that style better and changing from one to the other was easier than switching a flat tire!........actually we have EXACTLY the same interior except yours has the tach built in(sweet!)and mine is an automatic(boo!)and yours doesn't have 6 niches of mud on the floor! lol

Mine is a deluxe model and came without the tach. I think I paid less than $50 for that SR5 instrument cluster which is a plug-n-play swap. Of course with the automatic you don't really need the tach.

Mine has had a few inches of mud in it many times before....if it makes you feel any better.