Anyone have a 15" steering wheel with NON power steering truck?

[67ChevyRedneck]

Just as the title says. I really want to add a grant "classic" wheel to my truck.



But my truck does not have power steering, nor do I plan on adding it, at least not within the next couple of years. The stock wheels are 17" and this one is 15".

My question is, has anyone put a 15" wheel on a non power steering truck? Is it harder to manuver the truck, or is there no real difference? I have no problem driving the truck "at speed" but slow speed manuvers in parking lots are a little difficult.

Thanks all.

[CPNE]

A steering wheel is a simple machine called a wheel and axle. The principle operation is below:

The wheel and axle is a simple machine consisting of a large wheel rigidly secured to a smaller wheel or shaft, called an axle. When either the wheel or axle turns, the other part also turns. One full revolution of either part causes one full revolution of the other part.

When the force is applied to the wheel in order to turn the axle, force is increased and distance and speed are decreased.

The mechanical advantage of a wheel and axle is the ratio of the radius of the wheel to the radius of the axle.

For simplification, let's assume the diameter of the steering column shaft (axle) is 2 inches. You are going from 8.5:1 mechanical advantage to 7.5:1. Yes, you will notice a difference.

[Rdrdave]

You'll get used to it. Like anything...takes practice.

[special-K]

I know you know it will change the effort.That`s why you asked,right?You want to know how significantly the change will be,right.As in,enough to deter?I say no,like Rdrdave sez.I put a 15" sponge-grip wheel on a`69 Dodge Power Wagon w/manual steering and 14.50/37x16.5 tires and got used to it.And,that was with low speed in the mud 4 wheeling.

[67ChevyRedneck]

CPNE, you crack me up man

Thanks for the physics review, it's been a while

I KNOW there will be a difference, just curious to see if anyone else has done the swap and what the real physical or "feel" difference is.

[67ChevyRedneck]

Originally Posted by special-K

I know you know it will change the effort.That`s why you asked,right?You want to know how significantly the change will be,right.As in,enough to deter?I say no,like Rdrdave sez.I put a 15" sponge-grip wheel on a`69 Dodge Power Wagon w/manual steering and 14.50/37x16.5 tires and got used to it.And,that was with low speed in the mud 4 wheeling.

Yup. I'd hate to drop $120 on a wheel and install kit if it's going to be a pain in the ass to drive.

My grandpa had a mid 70's power wagon (with power steering) 318, 4 speed, 4x4 and that thing was a blast to drive.... untill the body rusted so bad it fell apart It was used as a snow plow truck.

[stepn67]

I've used a 14" wheel on my 67 before. Sure parking lots can be a little bit of a hassle but like Special-K said, "You Get Used to it". Hell at one point I even had a set of Mickey Thompson 11-32's on the truck. I got so used to the 11-32's that when I took them off and put 255-70's on the truck, I actually thought I had power steering.

[CPNE]

Originally Posted by 67ChevyRedneck

CPNE, you crack me up man

Thanks for the physics review, it's been a while

I KNOW there will be a difference, just curious to see if anyone else has done the swap and what the real physical or "feel" difference is.

Well you could overinflate the tires to offset the loss of mechanical advantage. But that would get into a whole new lesson in gas dynamics.

You can also "get used" to wearing a shoe 1/2 a size too small.

I do have a practical suggestion. Get an early eightys junkyard truck steering wheel an install it. I think they are around 15 inches. If it's drivable, then spend for the wheel you want.

[bowtieride]

Go ahead and buy it. I had the same setup a while back, and liked it alot better than the original wheel. Gives you more leg room and more comfortable driving.

[lowrollin70gmc]

I know the apprehension you're feeling, I too have manual steering and wanted to change wheels. I did, and now have that same wheel (with a GMC cap) and it's not too big of a deal to steer, but it is harder, just keeps me in shape. Just make sure you can use both hands if you're in a tight parking lot, but I do tight maneuvers in my old work lot no problem, just keep it rolling a little bit and you're good to go.

Power steering is for wimps!

[russellmarling]

I have a Grant signature series in mine and its no big deal. I think you will be fine since you don't have huge tires.

[67ChevyRedneck]

Originally Posted by lowrollin70gmc

Power steering is for wimps!

Thanks fellas

I'm going to try to pick one up at charlotte next weekend, hopefully for a discounted price and no shipping, but I don't remember seeing any last year. Maybe I didn't look hard enough.