Steering wheel conversion with Radio controls

I'm pretty sure that the 95-96 and maybe the 97 Tacoma's use a different clock spring than the 98-04. I had a similar issue when I swapped steering wheels in my 96. I swapped in a 97 4runner leather wheel that I had.

 

Will 4Runner steering wheels work? Trying to replace the wheel on my other '98 ext. cab

 

Yea, both my Tacomas have 4runner wheels. One thing to remember, the 95-00 stuff use a 3 wire cruise setup, and the 01+ use 2 wires. 2 spoke wheel cruise fine only fit 2spoke wheels, and 4 spoke only fit 4 spoke.

 

Can't re-pin the clockspring connector?

 

The clock spring has the correct wiring for both, but it's how the cruise ecu expects to see inputs.

The 4 spoke wheel is where you will run into the 2 or 3 wire cruise switch. There are both 2 and 3 wires in the 4 spoke wheel. 01+ use 2, 00 down use 3. Just keep that in mind when you are looking for wheels.

 

Look for the cruise control switches in the two diagrams. You will see that the older Toyotas use dedicated wire for the on/off function.

 

The old one pictured you need? I have 2 of them I wont be using.

 

The new cruise switch I has three wires. I disassembled it and found one wire wasn't used. When I compared ohm readings to my current one they were identical. So I should be able to repin the plug. My 2004 switch only uses 2 wires.
I'll recheck it again

 

By the switch diagram you could just tie the 3rd wire into the other wire.

 

That's how my is300 cruise was wired

 

The ECU won't know what you are doing

 

I can see were it would be an issue for a older 3 wire system. But were mine is a two wire system. If the new switch being used is a three wire. It could be tied togeather.

 

I'm going to be picking up a new steering wheel for my other truck which uses the three wire switch - was thinking of using a 4Runner or Lexus ES wheel. If it didn't have the same 3 wire connector would I be able to use it?

Would I need a steering wheel puller as well?

 

Nah they come off super easy, just loosen the nut a teeny bit, hit the wheel hard at 3 an 9 and again at 12 and 6 and she pulls right off

 

Gotcha. The wheel on my other truck is pretty beat to hell, thought I'd replace it.

 

Not always. Another trick is to use your knee and one hand to pull the wheel towards you, while swatting the steering shaft with a hammer. Screw the nut back on 3/4 of the way if it's your pickup. If not it will mash the end of the shaft and threads.

 

I usually rock it back and forth, left to right, and it starts to come out.

 

I've come up with a work around for this issue. The 3rd wire is for the on off of the cruise control. If you look at the back of the stalk. Those two wires are for the switch. Just cut the wire that is not tied into the ground part of the switch. Extend that wire with solder and shrink wrap the connection.
There's you third wire.

 

I've collected all the pieces. Time to commece with the upgrade.

 

I installed radio control switches out of a sienna van. They have the same radio's that our trucks have. Was just walking by one in the junkyard, spotted it, removed it and the clock spring andharness to the radio. Worksgreat! I realize this isn’t the look you’re interested in. Another helpful hint maybe that these switches will only work with head units that the volume knob spins round and around. Aftermarket- I have no idea