Steering wheel extension for tall bastards.

I think I have a solution for this, details to follow in the next few weeks.

 

Hi everyone. I came across this thread because of my Toyota Sienna (don't snicker, it drives good). I did not notice this terrible steering wheel shortcoming during the distracting sales process. To briefly address the need for this modification: The strange body proportion imagery is funny but arm length is not the problem. This is a manufacturing cheap out. They are not trying to accommodate 90%. The driver is accommodating by hunching.
The seat travels 10" on the tracks, the steering wheel telescopes less than 2" and tilts less than 2" so the adjustment is out of proportion, not tall drivers. I'm only 6' 0" but Im having the same problem. It might be worse in the Sienna. Driving more upright is not correct or safe. When driving, I feel like I'm on the shitter with a magazine. Trucks, vans, etc. have caused this problem. For me, the steering wheel is both too far and too high.
In hopes of finding a solution with minimal alteration and safety risk, I crawled under the car and the dash to see what can be altered. The potential answer I found can give only 2" (more forward and more tilt down combined), but it may be enough. The intermediate steering shaft has two universal joints to accommodate a diagonal path from the rack to the column. It may be possible to have the steering wheel set more outward and more down by changing the the column mounts to lower and forward. The first concern is bending one of the universal joints beyond its working limit. With my head under the dash, as I tilt the steering wheel all the way up and down, I can see the two joints flexing. With the wheel tilted all the way up, the joint at the column angles less, and the joint toward the rack appears to angle more. As I tilt the wheel all the way down, both joint angles move the opposite way. For any given universal joint, the safe angle limit is around 32° from what I found. It looks like the entire column can be lowered down and set out without bending either joint more than they normally do when tilting. The other constraints are clearances of the intermediate shaft near the brake pedal, the shaft boot entering the floor, parts connected to the column as it moves inside the dash, and the dash cover below the column which needs to be cut. There seems to enough clearance for moving down and out.
So hopefully the entire mod would amount to an offset spacer for the column mount, and maybe a change to the boot entering the floor. No wiring, etc. to change. Also, simply adding an extension makes the wheel kinda high. The Tacoma might have slightly different angles on the universal joints but I suspect Toyota's are pretty similar.

 

Adding some sort of steering extension might be risky, and liability would probably be in an issue in case of an accident, but I would give it a try... I love my Taco and want to drive it like my Solara, to +200k, but if any of the competition had similar long term reliability... my brand loyalty would go out the window...

 

Bumping this old thread because my back still hurts... Has anyone found a good solution for extending the steering wheel a couple inches towards the driver?

 

This is why I decided against selling this.

Had a spacer fabricated that accepts the splines from the column and then bolts its own splined shaft out that bolts into the steering wheel. Adds 2" which made a world of difference for my driving position at 6'5".

 

It probably wouldn't be an issue, but I can't blame you. Seat risers and an engine tune also change the stock setup, and yet they are offered for sale and are used by many. At least you gave us an idea how it can be done. I know I'll try to get one done now

 

My seat is all the way back, and the wheel is on it's closest and highest settings. I cant picture someone not being able to reach the wheel properly. Maybe I prefer to drive with my arms extended more? I do have my seat fairly straight I guess...? idk

 

There is a very simple explanation: anatomy. Two people with the same height can have different length of legs, torso and/or arms. If you watch some sort of fighting, once in a while you'll see the shorter guy having longer arm reach. It can be because he has very long arms, or the tall guy has shorter than average arms. You can't tell the difference by just looking at them, you have to read the stats.

If I put the seat where it's comfortable for my legs, I would have to stretch my arms in order to hold the steering between 10 and 2 o'clock. That's not safe, therefore I slide closer than comfortable.

Actually, I slide closer that it would be safe... because I end up not having good access to the steering between 4 and 8 o'clock. I make turns between 8 and 4 o'clock. I had to get used to it. And I have to be careful that my knee doesn't interfere with the cruise control during turns.

 

That's an elegant solution, and likely the safest. Did you have drawings made up for this, or was it just fabricated off the cuff? An additional 2" would put the wheel exactly where I actually want it.

 

Would very much like to order one of these. I am not 6.5, but the Tacoma is the most uncomfortable truck I have driven.

 

I want one of these. Are you willing to part with the drawings?

 

I have a similar issue, while not tall I have short arms. I have to choose between comfortable legs and uncomfortable reach or comfortable reach and squished legs.

 

Please do so! I'm ready to part with my money for a good extension.

 

I absolutely want to do this. Anyone else purchased or done this to their Tacoma? Thanks for all the info and research.

 

Love it!!

 

just remove front drivers seat and then sit/drive from the rear seat

 

Any updates on this?

 

I have a 2017 Tacoma TRD Sport and the steering wheel position has been extremely disappointing since the day I got the truck new - I am 5'11". I found this post and ordered the part from 949 Racing. The part is not cheap, but it is extremely well made and fits the Tacoma perfectly. It took some effort of re-routing some of the wires, but I was able to connect everything and re-assemble without extending any of the wires. Take your time with it.

http://949racing.com/Steering-Spacer-86.aspx