So Does Everyone HATE This Steering Wheel?

Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.

Mr Clean

Super Moderator
Staff member
Super Moderator
Joined
Aug 18, 2010
Posts
10,322
Reaction score
10,214
Location
North East Texas
First Name
Shawn
Truck Year
1982 & 1985
Truck Model
K10 Extra Cab w/ Proper SWB, & 85 K5 Blazer
Engine Size
454 BBC, & 383 Stroker

Mr Clean

Super Moderator
Staff member
Super Moderator
Joined
Aug 18, 2010
Posts
10,322
Reaction score
10,214
Location
North East Texas
First Name
Shawn
Truck Year
1982 & 1985
Truck Model
K10 Extra Cab w/ Proper SWB, & 85 K5 Blazer
Engine Size
454 BBC, & 383 Stroker
Sorry to derail...

For those that need more room, squarebodysyndicate sells a shorter column. Not cheap, but nothing aftermarket ever is. I believe it is made by Ididit.

You may now resume talking about how big, sticky, and the feel of your parts are.

Make your own column shorter. I've done it to three of them. The biggest pain in the butt is shorting your intermediate shaft. You must have a welder....
 

bucket

Super Moderator
Staff member
Super Moderator
Joined
Aug 3, 2010
Posts
30,445
Reaction score
28,347
Location
Usually not in Ohio
First Name
Andy
Truck Year
'77, '78, '79, '84, '88
Truck Model
K5 thru K30
Engine Size
350-454
That's actually one of the gripes I have about many newer trucks. Ford, in particular. The steering column is too short. I like to have my legs stretched out, but hate have to stretch my arms out to rest my hands on the wheel. Older vehicles tend to be more comfortable for me.
 

SirRobyn0

Full Access Member
Joined
Dec 6, 2019
Posts
6,755
Reaction score
11,402
Location
In the woods in Western Washington
First Name
Rob
Truck Year
1984
Truck Model
C20
Engine Size
305
Here's the '77 (not sticky)

You must be registered for see images attach

IMO, the gages, bezel, dash and steering wheels make these old trucks. To each his own, but I like them mostly original.

I got another *not sticky* 4 spoke wheel for sale if you know anybody - holla!

Every time I see comment about a sticky steering wheel I start to laugh, sticky not sticky stuff. Just what have you guys been doing while driving to make your steering wheel sticky lol.

Not to derail further, but @Rusty Nail I have to ask on the 77, what are those gauges in your dash. I'm not usually a fan of aftermarket gauges in the squares cluster, but I like those.
 

77 K20

Full Access Member
Joined
Nov 9, 2012
Posts
3,101
Reaction score
3,119
Location
Montana
First Name
Mike
Truck Year
1977
Truck Model
K20 5" lift
Engine Size
HT383 fuel injected
I took out my stock wheel to get a smaller one because I:
-don't have a tilt wheel
-have a lifted truck without any sort of steps. Easier to hop in and out of
-don't ram my legs as easily against the steering wheel when hitting unexpected bumps off roading
-have more room to roll the driver's door window down and lean way out to watch my tires go around obstacles
-can stretch up to try and see over the hood better to avoid obstacles or when cresting the top of a steep hill
 

Rusty Nail

Full Access Member
Joined
Jan 29, 2015
Posts
10,041
Reaction score
10,134
Location
the other side of the internet
First Name
Rusty
Truck Year
1977
Truck Model
C20
Engine Size
350sbc
Every time I see comment about a sticky steering wheel I start to laugh, sticky not sticky stuff. Just what have you guys been doing while driving to make your steering wheel sticky lol.

Not to derail further, but @Rusty Nail I have to ask on the 77, what are those gauges in your dash. I'm not usually a fan of aftermarket gauges in the squares cluster, but I like those.

Some of them are Chevrolet OE gauges from an '82 V8 Camaro. :waytogo:
 
Last edited:

Dave M

Banned
Joined
Jul 30, 2019
Posts
602
Reaction score
1,308
Location
Australia
First Name
Dave
Truck Year
1976
Truck Model
C10
Engine Size
454
That's actually one of the gripes I have about many newer trucks. Ford, in particular. The steering column is too short. I like to have my legs stretched out, but hate have to stretch my arms out to rest my hands on the wheel. Older vehicles tend to be more comfortable for me.

Have to agree with you there, I'm only 5',15" and need to stretch the legs, l still find the steering wheel is too far forward for comfort.

And for the record, l like the standard standard steering wheel !
 

Blue Ox

Turning Diesel Fuel Into Fun
Joined
Mar 27, 2018
Posts
5,218
Reaction score
12,015
Location
LI-NY
First Name
Derek
Truck Year
MCMLXXXV
Truck Model
K20HD
Engine Size
6.2L
That's actually one of the gripes I have about many newer trucks. Ford, in particular. The steering column is too short. I like to have my legs stretched out, but hate have to stretch my arms out to rest my hands on the wheel. Older vehicles tend to be more comfortable for me.

That's to keep the airbag from blowing your heart out through your spine.
 

Scott91370

Full Access Member
Joined
Apr 2, 2018
Posts
997
Reaction score
1,019
Location
Burleson, Tx
First Name
Scott
Truck Year
1985
Truck Model
Sierra1500
Engine Size
350
Given the, umm, compact accommodations in the cab compared to newer trucks, a smaller diameter wheel is preferable for some I'm sure, especially bigger folks and trucks without a tilt wheel.
I'd hazard many of them have been replaced due to age/condition like Rusty said.
But I'd take an OE period correct GMC wheel. Anyone has one in good condition that wants to trade for a good condition GMT 400 wheel, I'm down.

Take a pic of that wheel and post it up, with the measurement of it, please. If my daughter likes it and it is smaller we may have to work something out.
 

Grit dog

Full Access Member
Joined
May 18, 2020
Posts
6,972
Reaction score
12,222
Location
Auburn, Washington
First Name
Todd
Truck Year
1986, 1977
Truck Model
K20, C10
Engine Size
454, 350
Take a pic of that wheel and post it up, with the measurement of it, please. If my daughter likes it and it is smaller we may have to work something out.
I’ll have to measure it. And get a close up but here it is.

You must be registered for see images attach
 

Powerhouse Ranch

3G Connoisseur
Joined
Jan 6, 2021
Posts
1,465
Reaction score
2,629
Location
PA
First Name
Luke
Truck Year
1980 & 1988
Truck Model
C25 & V15
Engine Size
454 & 350
I am a larger feller.
While not touching, my gut was pretty close to the wheel and the column does not tilt yet.
Getting in and out can be a pickle even with the seat all the way back.
We have a perfectly good stock steering wheel, but it has been replaced with a Grant GT that I pulled from the swap meet for a massive $5 a few years ago.

Now I have more room to get in and out of the truck with the smaller wherl in there.

wow that's a hell of a deal
 

Latest posts

Forum statistics

Threads
44,167
Posts
950,720
Members
36,282
Latest member
Doug Hampton
Top