Steering wheel questions

So i just bought my first taco (2005 dbl cab TRD Sport), and am having trouble being comfortable in it.... seems like the seat is too low and im sitting on the floor, and the steering wheel is too far away. I know it telescopes, but only like 3 inches! Kind of a joke in my opinion. So i have 2 questions:

1. Has anyone ever tried extending somehow the steering wheel to be closer to them? Perhaps a spacer of sorts, or a longer steering wheel shaft? Or am i just asking to be killed by messing with this...

2. Has anyone installed a 2012+ steering wheel in a 05-11 taco? the newer wheel looks so much better than the old one, and maybe would have a better feel too. I have no steering wheel controls in my truck, but i do have the CC stick on the right of the wheel... Has anyone done this swap before or is it even possible?

I may be entering a world of pain (big lebowski fans) by doing this, but i would love to get more comfortable in this thing. As of now, my Ford Ranger was more comfortable than my taco! I also did a little mod to my seat by putting about an inch of lift in the front seat bolts (safely of course with new harder than factory steel bolts), and it helped alot, but I dont want to stretch so far to put my hand at the top of the wheel!

 

I'd think it would be easier to put some 1-2" spacers under the seat mounts than extending the steering wheel?

 

I did already raise the seat, which got me up off the floor a little better, fixing one of my problems. But the wheel is still too far away. I am 5'10", so not short, not sure how other people dont feel the same???

The only way i see this working right is if the wheel could come about another 2" (at least) toward me.

If i move the seat close enough for my hand to rest comfortably on the top of the wheel, then my legs are too close to the pedals and im all cramped in there. If i move the seat back, so my legs are comfortable, then i have to stretch forward to comfortably rest my hand on the wheel. Cant get it right!

 

anyone else with an opinion?

 

Mine is an '13 and I will preface this by saying I have had lower back issues for a while. I use a wedge shaped pad under my butt and an after market lumber pad behind my lower back and the comfort level increases significantly, as well as moving you closer to the steering wheel. I take occasional "LONG" trips in the truck and once I added the pads the trips became much, much more tolerable. a lot easier than extending the steering column. My 2 cents.

 

X2 I would also be curious about changing my 2007 for a 2012+ steering wheel. I agree that the new ones look a lot better!

 

Something must be wrong. I'm only 6ft and skinny. Weigh 165lbs and if I move my seat to close I can barely fit. Maybe your seat it mounted incorrectly...

 

Simply said, Toyota did a bad job on the short telescoping travel. The 4 runner was done correctly. Lots of travel.