74 CJ5 Steering wheel removal

[es335]

I am getting ready to replace my steering wheel. I was expecting to remove the stock horn button (center of the wheel) and find a center nut and a plate under it with two other nuts. However, On my rig, the only thing under the cover is a center bolt? I used a socket/wrench and it came off (it was tight). My question is-what steering wheel puller do I use, and, what steering wheel will work as a replacement? Also, the horn button is on the dash so I really do not need a horn button

 

[Hedgehog]

Try smacking it with a hammer, seriously. Mine came off easily. There is a spring under the wheel, it might pop right off.

Grant has a very impressive line of wheels. Are you replacing the wheel because you want more style or looking to gain some room? Most wheels come with two parts, an adaptor for the steering column and an adaptor for the adaptor to the wheel. There are a few wheels that don't need the adaptor's adaptor. These don't have 5 screws, they have three. Also watch the dish depth, makes a big difference to the over all fit.

 

[hdgapeach]

A plastic coated dead blow hammer (or two, one in each hand) has worked for me in the past. I must stress that if you do "beat" if off the shaft, run the nut back on the threaded post a couple of threads before you start whacking on the bottom of the steering wheel. I'll keep the wheel from flying up off the shaft. I caught one in the nose the first time I bumped a steering wheel off with a hammer!!

 

[Peanut Butter]

Use a little WD40 or something similar to help ease it off. Rod

 

[es335]

Thanks guys-yust trying to gain some room -stock wheel is 17", probably will drop to a 14 or 13.5.

 

[Hedgehog]

I'ce got the 13.5" Challenger wheel in mine, it's nothing fancy, but has a 2.5" dish and a 3 hole attachment. No Adaptor for the adaptor. These wheels are frequently found in the Golf Cart section. I like it well enough, but would rather have a 14.5" wheel.

I did cut my wheel wells:



So space isn't nearly as much of a problem. The job was easier than it seems and didn't compromise wheel travel.

 

[es335]

Your Tub is steel? (Mine is Glass...)

 

[Hedgehog]

Fiberglass can be cut, probably easier than steel. Cut it, move it, patch it with fiberglass the same as you would a damaged boat or a Corvette for that matter. I'm not saying that you need to or should for that matter, but it is possible.

I also shortened the steering wheel / shaft column 2". It actually was easy to do.

 

[rlitavecz]

Fiberglass can be cut, probably easier than steel. Cut it, move it, patch it with fiberglass the same as you would a damaged boat or a Corvette for that matter. I'm not saying that you need to or should for that matter, but it is possible.

I also shortened the steering wheel / shaft column 2". It actually was easy to do.

I did the same thing to my 73. I shortened the column by 4" to accommodate a nice Grant steering wheel. Sure beats the monster that was there!

 

[es335]

Agree Re the fender-may do that. LOVE the idea of cutting the steering shaft-thanks both!!!