Swapping out regular steering wheel for GT premium..?

BK2BLKGT · 11-21-2008

Just bought the leather GT prem steering wheel for the 08 model gt..i was told i need a steering wheel puller to do this. Has anyone done this swap before? I was also told i dont need a new airbag or spring..is this worth the trouble of swapping or should i just have the dealer do it?

jwal · 11-21-2008

i've swapped out some steering wheels before. you do need the puller, i think you can pick one up at any autoparts store. i paid $15 for mine. just read the manual or call and talk to someone in the ford service department to ask about the airbag. i replaced the steering wheels on my older ford trucks and i had to pull the fuse and relay, as well as disconnect the airbag wiring harness all as a safety precaution. they come out of there fast and when your hunched over it might not feel so good to get pounding by the airbag. other than that it should be pretty straight forward.

GT speeder13 · 11-21-2008

let me save you the trouble and say that thankfuly the s197 mustangs do not need the puller. however there is a rather larger bolt that will need to be removed in the center of the steering wheel once the airbag is removed. that was the only hard part...

It took me around 30 minutes to swap my steering wheel, it is well worth it!

**stlwagon** · 11-21-2008

I think I paid $18 for a steering wheel puller but you can get one on loan from Autozone.

GT speeder13 · 11-21-2008

this might help

http://www.allfordmustangs.com/forum...nstalling.html

GT speeder13 · 11-21-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by stlwagon

I think I paid $18 for a steering wheel puller but you can get one on loan from Autozone.

its not needed though. The only thing holding the wheel in place is a 15/16th bolt, once that is removed the wheel pulls right off without any effort at all. atleast mine did, im not sure about 2007+ s197's.

BK2BLKGT · 11-21-2008

Just gotta find the fuse box diagram now and pull the relay and fuse. Cant wait..im guessing the cover for the horn just pops off?

BK2BLKGT · 11-21-2008

Looked in the owners manual and found the fuse box section..but nothing labeled airbag for driver side..

I see fuse 17 for Restraint control module RCM, Passenger occupant detection system PODS, Passenger airbag deactivation indicator PADI. Is this the correct fuse..dont see a relay for the airbag tho.

BK2BLKGT · 11-21-2008

Finished up and it looks great..took about an hour for me lol. Had a bit of trouble figuring out how to get the airbag out even tho the 2 bolts were out...It looks awesome tho. love it.

thanks for the help guys.

**stlwagon** · 11-21-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by GT speeder13

its not needed though. The only thing holding the wheel in place is a 15/16th bolt, once that is removed the wheel pulls right off without any effort at all. atleast mine did, im not sure about 2007+ s197's.

Really? I'm surprised it came off without a puller.

**stlwagon** · 11-21-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by BK2BLKGT

Finished up and it looks great..took about an hour for me lol. Had a bit of trouble figuring out how to get the airbag out even tho the 2 bolts were out...It looks awesome tho. love it.

thanks for the help guys.

Let's see some pictures..