Aftermarket Steering Wheel

[Azbball11]

Looking at replacing my steering wheel in my 81 Scrambler. I had to do some work on the turn signal dial and ignition and when doing so, realized that the steering wheel had some cracks on the "hub". Have been thinking of a slightly smaller wheel as I am 6'5 and could use any extra room. Any recommendations on a good looking wheel that goes well with the scrambler?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Chamba]

I feel your pain. I'm 6'6" and I couldn't really fit in my 8 until I pulled the bulkhead out. Then I added 2" to the back of my seat brackets where the seats bolt on and moved the seats aft 2.5". I still use the tilt column every time I get in or out, especially if the doors are on. However, I still have the factory wheel.

Do you run yours with the half cab? I fit really well in mine now, but if I were to keep the bulkhead I think I'd have needed the smaller wheel.

 

[Azbball11]

I mostly run with the top and bulkhead in place. I actually haven't removed the bulkhead yet. The seat goes back as far as possible just shy of hitting the back of the cab. It isn't terrible for room and most of my trips have been short runs around town. With the half cab removed, feels much more roomy. I am thinking about a full soft top and then eventually a full hard top where then I could remove the bulkhead permanently at which point I would then move the seats back some.
For now, just making it work.

 

[Rosco1974]

My 8 had a Grant GT steering wheel when I bought it. Its smaller.

 

[CJ7Pilot]

Low back seats will slide back further with the cab and bulkhead in place. I'm happy with them, but I know they're not for everyone. I also installed a tilt steering column for a little more leg clearance.

 

[Randyzzz]

This is the wheel I bought. It’s a Grant 1160- 13.75” with leather trim. I thought it looked sorta like a Jeep wheel. There’s a trim ring that covers the 5 mounting bolts, that can be left off if you want the Allen heads to show. I have used this size wheel before and really like it. It’s about as small as you can go without being hugely noticeable. With stock highbacks, and a tilt column, I fit fine. I’m 6’2” and 285

Grant 1160: Collector"s Edition Steering Wheel 3-Spoke - Anodized Black Aluminum Black Leather Grip - JEGS

Get the Best Performance with Grant Collector"s Edition Steering Wheel 3-Spoke - Anodized Black Aluminum Black Leather Grip 1160 parts at JEGS. Shop Now at the Guaranteed Lowest Price!

www.jegs.com

Here’s a current pic- different wheel but same size. I’ll install the nice one once the dash is in.

 

[Azbball11]

Thanks guys. The Grant line looks to be pretty decent. Some look like they belong in a Jeep. With everything, supply seems to be low at a lot of places.

 

[Azbball11]

Is there a good tilt column you guys would recommend? I am thinking if I have everything apart, might as well do it right.

 

[CJ7Pilot]

I used one out of a YJ, so I could get the bright control and the wiper control on the column. It's not completely plug and play, but it's not too bad.

https://www.cj-8.com/threads/swapping-a-yj-steering-column-in-to-my-cj8.46271/

 

[Chamba]

I got a tilt out of a wrecked CJ-7 and rebuilt it. Plug and play but not nearly as cool as CJ7pilot's setup.

Ididit makes a GM tilt column that is pretty well plug- and- play from what I read a while back.

Here's where mine sit with the seat moved back, on flip-forward YJ seat brackets, tilt column up and obviously no bulkhead. I do drive with the wheel all the way lowered now for comfort but I lower it after I get in. The bestop seats also sit about 1" or so lower than the original seats I had before.....

 

[Randyzzz]

I used one out of a YJ, so I could get the bright control and the wiper control on the column. It's not completely plug and play, but it's not too bad.

https://www.cj-8.com/threads/swapping-a-yj-steering-column-in-to-my-cj8.46271/

I used an XJ column- similar to the YJ but takes some modifications to the mounting.

 

[Chamba]

On the tall- guy topic, I thought I'd take a couple snaps of the seat mod I did if you're interested.

 

[gpassida]

Thanks guys. The Grant line looks to be pretty decent. Some look like they belong in a Jeep. With everything, supply seems to be low at a lot of places.

You can add a "Jeep" horn button to the Grant steering wheels. Not cheap but adds some cool factor.

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/grt-5675?seid=srese1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIw8r3hfnq8gIVAg2tBh3OGQTXEAQYASABEgINefD_BwE

 

[Azbball11]

Ordered a Grant 1130. Should be here in a few days. Hoping it gives me the look I want. I will post some photos once I get it installed.
Thanks for all the great input.

 

[Randyzzz]

You can add a "Jeep" horn button to the Grant steering wheels. Not cheap but adds some cool factor.

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/grt-5675?seid=srese1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIw8r3hfnq8gIVAg2tBh3OGQTXEAQYASABEgINefD_BwE

That Jeep button is just a 3D sticker on top of a generic horn button. You can get similar Jeep decals or even AMC ones for less.

 

[Azbball11]

To go along with my 40 year old Jeep and as I turned 40 yesterday, I was able to get the new wheel installed. Like the look and feel. Does give a little more room getting in and out. Still like the look of the original wheel, but this fits the jeep nice so far.

Thanks for all the recommendations and suggestions. You guys are the best!

Side note, I did buy the Jeep this year as an early birthday present. I wanted something built the same year I was born. I hope some day people will say the nice things to me as they do about the jeep..."looks good for that age!"

Have a great day all.

 

[Randyzzz]

Very nice. Wish I had something cool from the year I was born…although cool vehicles from 1960 are both rare and expensive.

 

[Chamba]

That's where I'm lucky. Nearly all the cars from 1969 are cool as hell. Where I'm not lucky is that they are all worth far more than me......

 

[Rosco1974]

Nice style choice. You used to be able to get a Jeep horn button for those.

Anyone remember?

 

[Randyzzz]

Nice style choice. You used to be able to get a Jeep horn button for those.

Anyone remember?

I remember.