Will an 04 steering wheel fit in my 01?

Ranger01 · #1 01-16-2010, 10:14 PM

I like the 04 looks. Seems like the taurus has them too. Will it just bolt right in?

Fx4wannabe01 · #2 01-17-2010, 12:02 AM

*should*. columns havn't changed at all....just the multifunction switch and the wheel/bag/cruise switches. Should be a direct swap. No clue on how/if its possible to swap on those 04+ pods with the wheel and have them be functional.

Ranger01 · #3 01-17-2010, 12:05 AM

I'm not sure either i have cruise. I dont know if it is just a plug or what

wvcat · #4 01-17-2010, 06:06 AM

I was going to use an 04 column in a 99 and I couldn't because all the plugs were different. I didn't want to splice all the wires to try it.

joldtown · #5 01-17-2010, 10:26 AM

Great question, I was going to ask the same thing a few days ago. If you do try this swap, please post up pics and any wiring diagrams.

Fx4wannabe01 · #6 01-17-2010, 01:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wvcat

I was going to use an 04 column in a 99 and I couldn't because all the plugs were different. I didn't want to splice all the wires to try it.

I'll get on the online ford electrical manuals and compare the pins and post up the plug diagrams.

Is the main column connector the same between the two? The one way down deep?

Ranger01 · #7 01-17-2010, 01:56 PM

I have no clue

Fx4wannabe01 · #8 01-17-2010, 02:05 PM

I was asking John/Wvcat...the one I quoted.

Ranger01 · #9 01-17-2010, 02:06 PM

oops my bad lol

wvcat · #10 01-17-2010, 04:41 PM

No the plugs are different and won't match up, atleast to the multifunction switch. Other than that I can't remember, its been a while.

Ranger01 · #11 03-26-2010, 12:46 PM

Shane,
Did you get a chance to look this up? I may begetting one tomorrow

sheltonfilms · #12 01-25-2011, 09:46 AM

The clock spring plugs (at the bottom of the column) are the same from 98 up to at least 2004. I'm referring to the six pin connector (usually brown). I've seen the actual 2 wire air bag wire plugs change, they look identical but the tabs or slots are off a tad (you can just repin the plug to your old one). Someone on here has done it before (04 steering wheel w/ cruise to 2001 I think). He said there was a slight mod. The only thing I can see being a problem is if you have to change out the clockspring. That is only if the cruise button connector in the wheel to the clockspring is different.

I'm looking at putting in a Lincoln Town Car wheel (circa 1996). Its the exact same as the Eddie Bauer one from 98-01 that you've seen on rwenzing's truck. Only thing is that the air bag has the lincoln symbol on it and the bottom has a wood trim to it. Luxury truck! Also the crown vics use this wheel on the high end ones.

When looking for a steering wheel don't limit yourself to one model. Ford usually has twin models for steering wheels. Like the explorer (eddie bauer), crown vic, town car. And the ranger/explorer.

As long as the steering wheel fits the spline (which really doesn't change unless you grab a wheel from a bigger truck or a econoline van), you should be able to use the new wheel. You just may have to switch out the clock springs and do a little repinning or wiring at the bottom plugs of the steering column. The only thing that really seems like a problem is the way the wheel looks against the column shroud.