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  #1  
Old 08-04-2013, 07:29 PM
01RangerXLT4x4 01RangerXLT4x4 is offline
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Default 2001 to 2004 Steering Wheel and Air Bag swap w/ cruise controls.

Note: Anyone considering this modification may want to investigate the airbag recall mentioned here: http://www.fordrangerforum.com/inter...ghlight=airbag

As always, FordRangerForum.com does not take any responsibility for any damages to your vehicle and/or occupants. By using this (or any) information presented on the site the user assumes all risk of use, damage, or injury and you agree that we have no liability for any damages. We are not liable for any consequential, incidental, indirect, or special damages. We now return you to your regularly scheduled programming



So... I had a fun morning.

I have heard that swapping the steering wheel in a 2001 truck to a 2004-2006 style steering wheel was and wasn't possible, mostly due to electronics and the airbag connectors being different. Well... today I found out that it is totally doable.

I purchased a brand new 2004 Ford Ranger steering wheel w/ cruise controls on eBay as well as an airbag from a 2004 Ranger to see if I could give it a shot. Rented a steering wheel puller from O'Reilly's this morning, removed the airbag and pulled off my original steering wheel, which turned out to be a simple process. Grabbed my new 2004 steering wheel, fed the airbag connector through and slid it on to the shaft partially - perfect fit. Put the Torx head bolt back on and tightened it down. Connected the cruise control plug to my clockspring and it was a PERFECT fit. Turned on my parking lights, and the pods lit up. Got ready to connect my 2004 airbag.. and had a slight issue. It uses the SAME connector, but if you look closely on the male connector coming from the clockspring, you'll notice that there is a little "fin" leading down the side that is in a different spot than the 2004 connector. I took a utility knife and carefully shaved off that fin until the fin was gone. Tried plugging it in to the airbag again, and what do you know - it clicked into place perfectly. Mounted the airbag into the steering wheel with the two bolts in the sides of the wheel, started up my truck and low and behold... no airbag faults! Light came on for a few seconds like usual and went out. Drove down the road, to work and back today and gave the cruise control a spin. No issues whatsoever, all of the buttons work beautifully.

So if you're interested in doing the swap... I can confirm that it is 100% possible for 2001-2003 Ford Rangers with the slight modification to the airbag connector (removing the fin from the male end coming from the clockspring). Might work for some previous years, but I am not sure.

Gotta admit, I like the style of the new wheel better. Plus it's a newer style airbag that's a bit safer than the older models.

Before:


After:
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File Type: jpg 1005779_10201574305777955_436907758_n.jpg (75.8 KB, 836 views)
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2001 Ford Ranger XLT 4x4 Off Road - V6 4.0L SOHC Automatic - white, dark gray interior, step side bed, power everything
Odometer: 86,010 (2/27/2014)
Complete LED overhaul - turn signal/tail lights/reverse + cluster, HVAC, dome and glove box lights
Autolamp mirror mod (auto dim mirror with automatic headlights + adjustable exit delay)
2004-2006 Steering wheel with cruise controls + 2004-2006 driver and passenger airbag swap

Last edited by Logan03CO; 03-02-2016 at 04:42 AM.
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  #2  
Old 08-04-2013, 07:33 PM
bigfisher bigfisher is offline
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Now i wonder if its possible for a 99

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2013 F150 FX4 5.0 - Sold
1998 Jeep Wrangler TJ 4.0 5spd - Sold
2001 Mustang Bullitt - Sold
2005 Level II - Sold
2001 Integra GSR - Sold
1999 XLT - May 2013 TOTM - Totaled

Quote:
Originally Posted by 2004 fx4 level II
fuckin Nissan shhhiitttttttttt!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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  #3  
Old 08-04-2013, 10:39 PM
AmericanPride! AmericanPride! is offline
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Default Re: 2001 to 2004 Steering Wheel and Air Bag swap w/ cruise controls.

Quote:
Originally Posted by bigfisher View Post
Now i wonder if its possible for a 99

Sent from my iPhone 5 so I can tell you to search wherever I may be
+1
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  #4  
Old 08-04-2013, 10:45 PM
DangerRanger2000 DangerRanger2000 is offline
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+2
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2000 XLT 4x4 EXT. CAB 4.0/Auto Trans/3.73 gears/
31x10.50 BFG Rugged Terrains on MB Motoring Wheels/Pioneer Head Unit/JBL 12"/Camo Interior/'03 black and grey 60/40 seats/ green LED's Under Dash/T-Bar Crank/Windows-20% on the front, 5% on the back/Mustang Dome Light/06 Tails/
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  #5  
Old 08-04-2013, 10:46 PM
01RangerXLT4x4 01RangerXLT4x4 is offline
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Default Re: 2001 to 2004 Steering Wheel and Air Bag swap w/ cruise controls.

Quote:
Originally Posted by bigfisher View Post
Now i wonder if its possible for a 99

Sent from my iPhone 5 so I can tell you to search wherever I may be
I'll be heading to the JY (heaven) pretty soon, so I'll pull an airbag from a 99 Ranger and see what the cruise control plug and shaft splines look like. If they're the same as mine (very possible) then it'll work. If you don't have cruise controls, then all you'll have to worry about is the shaft splines. I believe they are the same from 95 and up, but don't quote me on that just yet.
__________________
2001 Ford Ranger XLT 4x4 Off Road - V6 4.0L SOHC Automatic - white, dark gray interior, step side bed, power everything
Odometer: 86,010 (2/27/2014)
Complete LED overhaul - turn signal/tail lights/reverse + cluster, HVAC, dome and glove box lights
Autolamp mirror mod (auto dim mirror with automatic headlights + adjustable exit delay)
2004-2006 Steering wheel with cruise controls + 2004-2006 driver and passenger airbag swap
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  #6  
Old 08-04-2013, 10:47 PM
BeauJCope BeauJCope is offline
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If it works for a 99. I will definitely be adding to my to do list. I love that 04-06 style steering wheel.

Sent from my DROID RAZR MAXX HD to your Potato III
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35x12.50x18.
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  #7  
Old 08-04-2013, 10:49 PM
DangerRanger2000 DangerRanger2000 is offline
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I would love the 04 steering wheel on mine, I hate the cruise control buttons on mine
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2000 XLT 4x4 EXT. CAB 4.0/Auto Trans/3.73 gears/
31x10.50 BFG Rugged Terrains on MB Motoring Wheels/Pioneer Head Unit/JBL 12"/Camo Interior/'03 black and grey 60/40 seats/ green LED's Under Dash/T-Bar Crank/Windows-20% on the front, 5% on the back/Mustang Dome Light/06 Tails/
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  #8  
Old 08-04-2013, 10:49 PM
BeauJCope BeauJCope is offline
My 3.0 Is Wounded
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Charlie Davidson View Post

I'll be heading to the JY (heaven) pretty soon, so I'll pull an airbag from a 99 Ranger and see what the cruise control plug and shaft splines look like. If they're the same as mine (very possible) then it'll work. If you don't have cruise controls, then all you'll have to worry about is the shaft splines. I believe they are the same from 95 and up, but don't quote me on that just yet.
Much appreciated!

Sent from my DROID RAZR MAXX HD to your Potato III
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1999 Ford Ranger 5.0 AWD
35x12.50x18.
Many more mods!
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  #9  
Old 08-04-2013, 10:50 PM
bigfisher bigfisher is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BeauJCope View Post
If it works for a 99. I will definitely be adding to my to do list. I love that 04-06 style steering wheel.

Sent from my DROID RAZR MAXX HD to your Potato III
X2

Sent from my iPhone 5 so I can tell you to search wherever I may be
__________________
2017 Lightning Blue Mustang GT PP 430/402
CJ Pony Parts Lowering Springs | Texas Speed Longtubes | PMAS CAI | Lund Tuned | Borla S-Type Catback
2013 F150 FX4 5.0 - Sold
1998 Jeep Wrangler TJ 4.0 5spd - Sold
2001 Mustang Bullitt - Sold
2005 Level II - Sold
2001 Integra GSR - Sold
1999 XLT - May 2013 TOTM - Totaled

Quote:
Originally Posted by 2004 fx4 level II
fuckin Nissan shhhiitttttttttt!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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  #10  
Old 08-04-2013, 10:58 PM
Yeller Yeller is offline
Wow.So cobra.Very Ranger.
 
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Hmmmm. Subscribed.
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  #11  
Old 08-05-2013, 06:15 PM
Logan03CO Logan03CO is offline
No wire hangers, ever!

 
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Default Re: 2001 to 2004 Steering Wheel and Air Bag swap w/ cruise controls.

Looking good!

Now to find the black leather version.......
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  #12  
Old 08-05-2013, 06:22 PM
Springtown FX4 Springtown FX4 is offline
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Default Re: 2001 to 2004 Steering Wheel and Air Bag swap w/ cruise controls.

Awesome! I almost bought one but no one could tell me if they would work, now i know.
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2003 XLT FX4 Level II
Painted skid plate, Pioneer double din, painted radio bezel/door handles, headlight mod, throttle cable mod, Gibson cat back, afe cold air, 06+ fender badges, Remote start, 06+ mirrors,06+corners, 35W DDM HIDs 4500k head and fog lights,polished alcoas
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  #13  
Old 08-05-2013, 06:41 PM
Logan03CO Logan03CO is offline
No wire hangers, ever!

 
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Default Re: 2001 to 2004 Steering Wheel and Air Bag swap w/ cruise controls.

Guys - -start searching those junkyards!!!

Grab an extra one for me - I'm in the market
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  #14  
Old 08-05-2013, 06:43 PM
bigfisher bigfisher is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Logan03CO View Post
Guys - -start searching those junkyards!!!

Grab an extra one for me - I'm in the market
Lol

Sent from my iPhone 5 so I can tell you to search wherever I may be
__________________
2017 Lightning Blue Mustang GT PP 430/402
CJ Pony Parts Lowering Springs | Texas Speed Longtubes | PMAS CAI | Lund Tuned | Borla S-Type Catback
2013 F150 FX4 5.0 - Sold
1998 Jeep Wrangler TJ 4.0 5spd - Sold
2001 Mustang Bullitt - Sold
2005 Level II - Sold
2001 Integra GSR - Sold
1999 XLT - May 2013 TOTM - Totaled

Quote:
Originally Posted by 2004 fx4 level II
fuckin Nissan shhhiitttttttttt!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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  #15  
Old 08-05-2013, 06:45 PM
Logan03CO Logan03CO is offline
No wire hangers, ever!

 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 10,362
Default Re: 2001 to 2004 Steering Wheel and Air Bag swap w/ cruise controls.

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Former 2003 Ford Ranger owner - Build Thread for her: Project Budget Buster
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