Steering Wheel

I have a 1972 CJ5 (232). I am experiencing difficulty with the steering wheel and distance to my thighs. I am 5'10 190 slightly post athletic build; so not a big guy and the wheel and my thighs maybe have an inch or so clearance. I have read the previous threads and fixes for the classic 'steering wheel in your lap' issues with the intermediates. I have put together a plan (raising the column, customize seat adjustment and seat thickness, power steering) part of the plan is to go to a slightly smaller steering wheel.

My problem is finding a smaller steering wheel (15 - 16 inches) that maintains the stock three spoke black look. I have searched to the end of the internet with no real luck. I am considering modifying my stock wheel with some cuts and reconnections but I am cringing at the number of problems I forsee.

Are the custom steering wheel shops a viable option; and are any recommended?

Any suggestions, options, insights regarding the steering wheel would be appreciated.

 

Found this 17 " :

 

I also had this issue with the stock wheel on my 73 Cj5. After installing power steering I went to a smaller wheel and am very happy with the change. Makes steering in tight places and rocky ground much much easier, and my arms and back are much happier now.

 

Are your seats aftermarket or original? The aftermarket sit much to high for the Bus wheel.

 

On both of my 5's I've cut down the rear seat mount. But they were already messed with so I didn't feel bad. I think I took 2" out. Makes a big difference. The 74 has the original wheel, the 75 has some silly little Grant that came with the tub I put on. I prefer the feel of the 74, althoiugh the little one is more practical assuming you have power steering.

 

Intermediates already have a raised column as compared to '71-older. They have a horseshoe dashmount that makes about another 3" more clearance to your lap. You must have really high seat bottoms if you have clearance issues with your size frame.
-Donny

 

Canadian Hockey thighs I guess...

 

Ya Know...... a GM Tilt wheel column is what I have in mine. May be a bit of a job, but they are a good replacement. An early XJ column, before airbags, is a good one from a junk yard ?
Or Jegs.

 

Me again........ after looking at your before & after paint pic's , I just noticed the different seats ? Perhaps you could do something with the new seat mounts ?
Maybe it's my eye's , but I agree with steve1973, they look high to me too ?

 

They are stock seats (according to the upholstery guy) that have been reupholstered prior to my acquiring the Jeep. I had them shave out some of the padding and go with the ribbed black you see in the photo. The seats in the picture aren't bolted down they are just placed in.
I am playing with their placement and as I am learning; the intermediates sit a little different in the cockpit than other years. I have a couple of good leads and some great input so we will see how it pans out once everything is in place.

 

Factory seats with slip covers. You should have at least this much room. I'm 5'9" with short legs and fit just fine if I sit with a moderate manspread.

 

Check out Joe's Racing Products. They have some nice 15" steering wheels.

 

My brother has a DJ jeep mail delivery with right hand drive. About a 1990 or so year model. Also has manual steering. If I remember correctly the factory steering wheel was somewhat smaller diam. than my 74 cj5. maybe 15 inches or so and has a slight dish to it. The steering column is slim, about the same diam. as my cj5. Maybe one of these would bolt right on. someone with experience with these jeeps would know more. The next time I am over there I will look closely at the setup.