Steering wheel swap.. thoughts, critiques, input?

[Asethr]

Looking into the possibility of swapping my steering wheel with a newer (~2015) Colorado steering wheel. I’ll post a picture for reference. Just looking for any input from you guys. Like, dislike? Suggestions? Etc....

 

[fanugy]

If the controls work, I would in a heartbeat


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[Traxx]

Besides the airbag issues, you would have a bunch of audio control buttons that do nothing. What would be the point?

 

[Asethr]

No airbag issues. The plan is to disassemble this steering wheel leather and all. Disassemble my current steering wheel (well I’d buy an extra for experimental purposes) and essentially swap their skins. Everything lined up practically identical on the wheels. The buttons would not be useless. They’d be fully functional and I’m in the midst of talking to a couple third party vendors right now about making that happen. The airbag would be removed from the h3 cover and transferred to the Colorado cover. This is the only part of the mod that I foresee extensive modification, only in that a new mounting bracket would likely have to be fabbed up so that the mounting holes match up. The audio controls are not the difficult part.. an oem harness and idatalink maestro will retain these features (with aftermarket head units) the cruise control is what I’m working on right now. There’s a few options out there just seeing what will work best. The deeper I dig into this the more doable it seems to be.

 

[Asethr]

Also digging into digital dash replacement. Fully functional, all features, indicators, service lights, etc fully operational... now that I’ve caught onto the right hardware, this actually isn’t hard at all. Hopefully I’ll get the ball rolling on both of these in the near future

 

[Mr_Rich]

You might run into the possibility that the steering shaft is a different diameter or spline which will defeat you before you can start with any other ideas about the controls. I kind of like the '09-'14 truck steering wheels and thought I would try it on the '97 I'm working on. Didn't happen. Steering shaft is totally different between the two. Some machining and fab work might succeed but I was more into a simple swap.

 

[Asethr]

I won’t have that issue with what I have planned out. I will basically use the guts from the H3 steering wheel. It’ll just get a facelift with the Colorado’s leather, plastics and controls. So everything will mount up the same as far as the splines and the airbag glockspring clips. Because it’s just an H3 wheel with a new set of clothes.

 

[Mr_Rich]

I won’t have that issue with what I have planned out. I will basically use the guts from the H3 steering wheel. It’ll just get a facelift with the Colorado’s leather, plastics and controls. So everything will mount up the same as far as the splines and the airbag glockspring clips. Because it’s just an H3 wheel with a new set of clothes.

I can tell right away that it's not an H3 wheel or one with compatible parts. I've already swapped out my non-leather wheel for a leather one so I know how they work. There's just enough difference to make things difficult. Give it a try and prove me wrong.

 

[alrock]

Curious to see how it goes, will be an interesting project.

 

[fanugy]

I would be interested in steering wheel controls if this thing works. Please keep track of parts and mods!


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[Asethr]

I would be interested in steering wheel controls if this thing works. Please keep track of parts and mods!


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Which controls are you more worried about retaining? The audio controls? Or cruise? Cruise controls are what I’m looking into a fix for right now. Audio controls will definitely work as long as it’s with an aftermarket radio.

the stock cruise we have already would still work. I’m talking about the steering wheel controls only

 

[lc7404]

Put me down for one

 

[Mr_Rich]

This is the wheel I would swap into my truck if I was so inclined. There isn't an H3 airbag that will fit so it would have to be a GMC or H2 airbag. This wheel has a provisioned for a switch unit on the left side of the wheel and the H3 steering shaft and splines match up to this one.

 

[fanugy]

I just want controls. I would like audio and cruise. I will swap out the head unit to something nice and with apple car play. I want hands free and steering wheel control in worst of ways.


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[Asethr]

View attachment 24080This is the wheel I would swap into my truck if I was so inclined. There isn't an H3 airbag that will fit so it would have to be a GMC or H2 airbag. This wheel has a provisioned for a switch unit on the left side of the wheel and the H3 steering shaft and splines match up to this one.

what is this? Silverado?

 

[Asethr]

I just want controls. I would like audio and cruise. I will swap out the head unit to something nice and with apple car play. I want hands free and steering wheel control in worst of ways.


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I do too. That’s why I’m doing this. I have a lot of plans to add modern features. The wheel, a digital dash conversion, 360 camera, blind spot monitoring, wireless armrest charger, remote start and full keyless entry, automatic running boards, and a few others

 

[Mr_Rich]

what is this? Silverado?

I think that and an H2. I originally wanted to try it on my '97 K2500 but the steering shaft is a larger diameter and this wheel won't work on it.