2005-2014 Mustangs Discussions on the latest S197 model Mustangs from Ford.

Steering Wheel Spacer

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Aug 12, 2011 | 09:22 AM
  #1  
rickycardo's Avatar
rickycardo
Thread Starter
 
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 3
From: IL
Default Steering Wheel Spacer

I have a 2011 GT/CS and for months now I cannot get comfortable behind the wheel. I'm 6'5" and no matter how I set my seat the wheel is too far away from me. I can't stand driving straight-armed. I've looked everywhere for some kind of spacer for the steering wheel with no luck. I've decided to try and machine my own from aluminum. I read he sticky on removing the wheel and everything looks straight forward. My question to anyone who has done this: Does it look like there is enough slack in the wiring for airbag and steering wheel controls to allow for a 1.5 - 2" spacer block in between the steering wheel and column?
Has anyone done or seen anything like this?
Old Aug 12, 2011 | 10:55 AM
  #2  
157dB's Avatar
157dB
Cut & Paste Expert
 
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 13,322
From: NW Arkansas
Default

Good luck.
Any spacer would need the splines.
Are you up to machine ID splines?
You could broach them on a CNC.
I would look to move the whole
steering column closer instead of
the steering wheel only.
The spacer idea sounds real scary.
You could get an adapter fort an
aftermarket steering wheel and buy
the appropriate adapter for a stang
and put a spacer inbetween the
aftermarket adapter (with the needed
splines ) and then install the aftermarket
steering wheel.

Another problem with a spacer only is the
wiring for the steering wheel switches if
you have them...
Old Aug 12, 2011 | 11:07 AM
  #3  
rickycardo's Avatar
rickycardo
Thread Starter
 
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 3
From: IL
Default

Yeah, I can machine the whole part, splines and all. I would start with a waterjet cut blank and machine in the details. It's handy when you manage an entire factory. You can get things done.
I am curious about the wiring reaching though.
Old Aug 12, 2011 | 09:06 PM
  #4  
908ssp's Avatar
908ssp
3rd Gear Member
 
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 645
From: Michigan
Default

You have a whole factory at your disposal and you can't cut and splice a wire?
Old Aug 12, 2011 | 10:22 PM
  #5  
rickycardo's Avatar
rickycardo
Thread Starter
 
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 3
From: IL
Default

Well, yeah I can modify the wiring if needed. I'm just wondering if there's anything weird down there that I haven't thought of. This may be my winter project for the car.
Old Aug 13, 2011 | 10:26 AM
  #6  
157dB's Avatar
157dB
Cut & Paste Expert
 
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 13,322
From: NW Arkansas
Default

Originally Posted by rickycardo
Well, yeah I can modify the wiring if needed. I'm just wondering if there's anything weird down there that I haven't thought of. This may be my winter project for the car.
Oh, its pretty weird down there.
The airbag connectors will need to be lengthened (be verrrry carefulllll)
and there is a clock springy thingy down there as well....
The service manual tells it all...
http://iihs.net/fsm/?dir=137&viewfil...ring Wheel.pdf

http://iihs.net/fsm/?dir=137&viewfil...ring Wheel.pdf

Is it not great to have a whole factory and all the machinery you
would ever want right at your disposal....
Attached Thumbnails Steering Wheel Spacer-cnc.jpg  

Last edited by 157dB; Aug 13, 2011 at 10:28 AM.
Old Jun 6, 2012 | 06:36 PM
  #7  
neema's Avatar
neema
 
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 17
From: Ca
Default

i know this is a thread revival, but i, too, am in the same dilemma. if i had even 1 more inch of reach, it would be exponentially better. 2" is almost too good to ask for.

also, there are no splines on the steering wheel. it's just a hex shaped shaft with a threaded tip, so machining something shouldn't be too crazy.
Old Jun 6, 2012 | 09:43 PM
  #8  
White05GT's Avatar
White05GT
3rd Gear Member
 
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 968
From: Jacksonville NC
Default

Probably have to lose the airbag but a deeper dish aftermarket wheel might be an option.
Old Jun 7, 2012 | 02:26 AM
  #9  
neema's Avatar
neema
 
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 17
From: Ca
Default

Originally Posted by White05GT
Probably have to lose the airbag but a deeper dish aftermarket wheel might be an option.
i thought about doing an aftermarket wheel (which i could then use a spacer), but i want to retain the airbag/cruise control/audio controls. do 05-09 mustangs use the same steering column (same dimensions?)
Old Jan 30, 2016 | 11:28 PM
  #10  
Phoenix60's Avatar
Phoenix60
 
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 2
From: Alabama
Default

Problem solved, mustang modified for long legs, and kept the cruise control

Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
jwog666
Pipes, Boost & Juice
11
Dec 27, 2021 08:09 PM
mungodrums
S550 2015-2023 Mustang
10
Sep 28, 2015 10:54 PM
folivier
Detailing
0
Sep 26, 2015 02:28 PM
lincolnshibuya
V6 (1994-2004) Mustangs
1
Sep 24, 2015 10:46 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 12:21 AM.