Changing Steering Wheel in 2002 Tacoma

Hi guys!

Quick question, my dad picked up a beat up 2002 Tacoma and we've been slowly nursing it back to health (motor swap and new paint job!) but something that bothers me is the steering wheel, it looks ghetto AF.

I'm able to source OEM steering wheels but I've been watching clips online of aftermarket wheel swaps and they all seem to require complete disassembly of the wheel basically down to a bare steering column.

Is this necessary? I'm only trying to change the outer part of the wheel, and plan on using the airbag I already have. I linked a picture of the current wheel and what part I'm trying to change. I'm not trying to accidentally mess up sensitive parts like the clock spring so I'm hoping this is an easy swap.

Thanks for reading!

https://i.imgur.com/6HRoVnW.jpg
https://c1.neweggimages.com/productimage/A7G7_1_20150220250587954.jpg
^I know that's from an 05 but I just linked it for reference

 

You want to use an original 2001-2004 1st gen steering wheel? Tearing down the column is only if you want to use the 2005+ steering wheel you linked with the audio controls and Bluetooth.

If you want to use a 1st gen steering wheel it’s as easy as unbolting the one bolt connecting it to the shaft, using a steering wheel puller, and putting a new one on.

I put a Lexus IS300 steering wheel on my truck. I just had to swap the clock spring to control the airbag.

 

Thanks for the heads up, and yeah, just trying to keep the look stock. I've seen some nice 4runner piano black wheels that are possibly compatible but I think the style would just clash. And sorry, wouldn't be getting a new wheel, would just rip one off some local Tacoma part outs in my area. At least those wheels are 100% intact! lol

 

Right, new wheel as in replacing your old wheel. Just make sure you get one from a 2001-2004 Tacoma because 1995-2000 is different.

And yes 4Runner ones will work.

 

Camry steering wheels are the same as ours. https://www.ebay.com/itm/2002-2004-...her-/230815193032?vxp=mtr&hash=item35bda857c8
Any thing 2001-2004 http://stores.ebay.com/Factory-OEM-...itleDesc=1&_trksid=p4634.c0.m310&_sid=4594966

Di you hook up your radio controls @BartMaster1234

 

I think I have my old steering wheel which looks just like yours.

 

Not yet.

 

So a Camry wheel fits plug and play for a 1997 tacoma and airbag wire connects
???

 

You'll need to compare shapes with yours. The Camry's used 2 different wheels along with the Tacoma's. Depending on the year.

 

I have this one I'll sell for $50+shipping without airbbag. $100 with.

 

@BartMaster1234 Will a 2001 steering wheel with no air bag fit on my 1996? Also, will my 1996 airbag work with the steering wheel from the 2001?

 

The 2001 steering wheel will fit, but the airbags changed from 1995-2000 and 2001-2004 and aren’t cross compatible.

 

@BartMaster1234 ok, so i will need a airbag from 01-04. What about the clock spring that is on my 96. Will it work or do i need to get the clock spring from the 01 as well? Sorry for amateur questions.

 

That’s a good question, I’m not sure. I’d assume the clock springs are the same. I think the only differences clock spring wise was from 95-97?

 

@BartMaster1234 im gonna buy a clean, grey 01 tacoma steering wheel. Eventually find an airbag, but i will update about the clock spring..
So many questions not enough research done

 

I want to say no based on what toyota parts shows (see below image) but then again...

Clock Spring
1992-2004 Toyota - 843060c010 (this one shows for my VIN)


Clock Spring
1995-1997 Toyota Tacoma - 8430604040
*discontinued*

I'd call your local parts counter in the morning, give them your VIN and ask them for the part# of the clock spring.

 

interested to find out the results, about the clock spring.

swapping out to a camry steering wheel maybe in my future.

 

Bought an 01 clock spring and air bag… just got to buy the steering wheel now. Got to thinking , will the turn signal and wiper stalk work with this set up? How about the plastic steering column trim?

 

Got steering wheel on finally. 01’Clock spring was broken and the plug in was different from the original wiring harness to clock spring and air bar plug from clock spring. So kept original clock spring on, and cut off plug in for air bag off of the 01’ clock spring and swapped onto the original CS and started to button everything back up. Connected battery back up, and horn would stay on… so took ground off and un plugged the horn. Now my left turn signal stays on…. while I had everything apart, i changed gauge cluster bulbs to white led….

What would cause the turn signal to stay on??? Stumped.

 

Does light go off if you unplug clock spring?