Steering wheel opinions

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FFRKing
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Steering wheel opinions

Post by FFRKing »

Has anyone gone from manual steering to power and felt like the steering wheel was too big? I know the big wheel is good for leverage with manual steering but is it too big when switching to power?
I am asking because I am building my truck with a Crown Vic front which I am guessing will steer even easier than a factory power setup. I am also having trouble sourcing a nice factory wheel. I can spend $200 on a repro wheel or have been looking at some aftermarket ones around $150-180. The price difference is not the issue but the aftermarket ones are 14-15” and I’m wondering if the smaller wheel would just feel better with the newer steering.
Thanks

Chris
-1968 F100 SWB, 4.6 3V, 5R55S auto, Crown Vic front and rear.
-1968 Cougar XR-7, 351C, AOD, Explorer rear. In approx. 6,000 pieces at the moment.
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Bullitt74
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Re: Steering wheel opinions

Post by Bullitt74 »

Depends if you’re worried about originality vs comfort and personal taste.

I have a 65 deluxe Mustang wheel I’m using on mine, which is 15” and feels much nicer. I’m having trouble getting the horn to work, but I’ll figure it out eventually.

Depending on what you do with a seat, you may want that extra 3/4” to 1.25” extra clearance between your legs and wheel.
Steve F.
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FFRKing
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Re: Steering wheel opinions

Post by FFRKing »

Thanks for the feedback. I’m using either ‘68 Cougar buckets that I will redo with TMI covers or 2014 Ford Fusion buckets. I’ve looked st a couple of aftermarket wheels that were 14” and 15” that I like but was mainly worried about the feel of using a smaller wheel. Personally I feel like the factory one would be too big but don’t actually know that for sure. I’ll keep looking for a nice original but will probably go with the aftermarket when the time comes. I know I can always sell an original.
Very little is original on this truck, but I don’t want it to look like a custom either.
Thanks
Chris
-1968 F100 SWB, 4.6 3V, 5R55S auto, Crown Vic front and rear.
-1968 Cougar XR-7, 351C, AOD, Explorer rear. In approx. 6,000 pieces at the moment.
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Bullitt74
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Re: Steering wheel opinions

Post by Bullitt74 »

Grant manufactures so many nice wheels, and they have lots of options for Ford logo centres. I suspect when you find one that suits your eye, you will never go back to stock.
Steve F.
Red Deer, Alberta, Canada
'72 Ranger XLT, 4x2, 390-2V, C6, Wind blue & Wimbledon White (‘Smokey’)
8)
2016 F150 Lariat FX4 Supercrew, Ruby Red
Follow my build thread for 'Smokey': http://fordification.com/forum/viewtopi ... 22&t=85070
cep62
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Re: Steering wheel opinions

Post by cep62 »

Maybe an old Falcon or Fairlane.?
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magic bus
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Re: Steering wheel opinions

Post by magic bus »

I just installed a 14" grant classic wheel on mine. I have power steering. It steers fine, looks better. My only issue is Im tall and now I can't see the speedo, gas guage or temp guage w/o looking under the wheel. Who da figured? :doh:
71 F100 2WD Longbed Sport Custom 390 C6
67 Econoline E100 200 I6 3 on the Tree
70 Mustang Coupe 302 C4

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Re: Steering wheel opinions

Post by jessetischauser »

My '68 F100 4x4 w/power steering came with one of those 13 1/2" or 14" black Foam Grant wheels. It does the job but it's an inch or two too samll. Feels like I'm driving a '63 Impala Low Rider with one of those chain link wheels.

I'd love to get an original or trade for one.
1957 International Travelall
1960 Ford Falcon
1962 Lincoln Continental
1966 Ford Bronco U13
1966 Chevrolet Corvette
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Re: Steering wheel opinions

Post by jessetischauser »

What is the diameter of the stock '68 steering wheel?
1957 International Travelall
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sargentrs
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Re: Steering wheel opinions

Post by sargentrs »

16-1/2" diameter.
Randy
1970 F100 Sport Custom Limited LWB, 302cid, 3 on the tree. NO A/C, NO P/S, NO P/B. Currently in 1000 pcs while rebuilding. Project thread: http://www.fordification.com/forum/view ... 22&t=59995 Plan: 351w, C4, LSD, pwr front disc, p/s, a/c, bucket seats, new interior and paint.
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Re: Steering wheel opinions

Post by Ranchero50 »

Stock wheel from Ford or Merc car would be my choice. Not a big fan of aftermarket ones on an otherwise stock looking truck. My buddies '71 F-750 wrecker even with power steering needed the big wheel to keep it between the lines. Fun truck to run for short distances.
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