Replace with Navigator Steering Wheel

[TheCraic]

Newbie Question!

Just purchased a '99 Limited AWD and the steering wheel looks a bit ratty. Looks exactly the same as a Lincoln Navigator wheel with the aircon/radio/cruise control buttons, except no wood trim. Are the two items interchangeable (Air bag, same connector plugs etc)? Contacted 2 Ford dealers and can get no clarification. Thought someone here might know if it was possible.

 

[MattStarr]

With the right amount of money, anything is possible.... Why not just replace it with a new steering wheel for a limited? Or you could go to the junk yard and take one off a wrecked X....:exp:

 

[TheCraic]

Thanks for quick response, however I quite like the wood trim on the Navigator wheel (and apart from the fact that I do not like the cheezy wheelskins - no-one seems to make them for the limited).

I have a great mahogony/leather wheel from Italy, which I'd love to put on (never use cruise control, plus I'm changing out the standard head unit for a Pioneer so don't need the audio controls), but it does not have an airbag and I am unsure of the legality of not having an airbag, plus how insurance companies view changing airbagged for non-airbagged wheels. There is also the issue of how the computer deals with unconnected plugs (cruise control etc.)

All thoughts appreciated!

 

[MattStarr]

Yeah, I know those wheelskin covers are pretty gay. Someone else needs to hop in here and offer some advice.... I know if you use an aftermarket HU, your factory controls will not work on the steering wheel. So they wont be any use to you. As the airbag goes, I'm sure it is legal b/c I see these souped up hondas with the little racing steering wheels, and they still are street legal. Me personally, It's just a steering wheel, it works and it has an airbag, thats all I need.

So there's no way you want to use a woodgrain steering wheel cover? I have seen some pretty nice ones out there.