Has anyone increased the Steering Wheel Height?

[TonyBer 79]

Hi, I have (2) 160s and a bad hip.  I'd love to have a few more inches in height on the steering wheel distance between it and the seat.  Has anyone raised their's and how or created a shaft extension?  Or, is there a better steering wheel to swap to that may give more clearance?  Thoughts?

[ebinmaine 77,071]

Either add to the upper steering shaft with a locking collar from McMaster Carr...

Or...

There are many steering wheels on the market for vehicles that have different  (deeper) "dish" depths and diameters.  

 

This is a Sweet brand racing wheel. 

 

 

 

 

@kpinnc could comment here.  

 

 

[ri702bill 11,137]

The original Kelch 3 spoke steering wheel on my C81 broke at the hub while in use a couple of years back. Seems to be a common problem with the overmolded plastic cracking and spreading off the hex shaped hub... My solution was to use a 2 piece adapter machined to fit the Classic Aftermarket line of Grant Industries Steering Wheels (mine kind of looks like the 420LSE one) These wheels come in many diameters and dish depth.... deeper dish raises the rim.

 

 

[TonyBer 79]

 I found this from an Aries and it has the same Welch Style connector with a roller pin setup.  It's local for sale.  I'm going to see how this look...hope not too funny but if it functions for me, may be worth it?  I'll send some pics after. 

[wallfish 19,068]

1 minute ago, TonyBer said:

 I'm going to see how this look...hope not too funny but if it functions for me, may be worth it?

Who cares as long as it works for you. Changing the wheel is your best bet and it can always be changed back. The biggest challenge is going to be getting that original steering wheel off the shaft.

[ri702bill 11,137]

13 minutes ago, wallfish said:

The biggest challenge is going to be getting that original steering wheel off the shaft.

One of the Rites of Passage in WH ownership. Along with Hub Removal & Hitch Pin Removal.....

[kpinnc 17,010]

5 hours ago, TonyBer said:

Has anyone raised their's and how or created a shaft extension?  

 

Not on a C160 but I've just recently done this on a custom tractor. I used a shaft connector that was about 5 inches long with 4 bolts. I added about 3.5 inches steering wheel height because the seat was pretty tall. But if you only raise the wheel a couple inches it is a big difference. 

 

I think it would be better to place the collar below the upper support bearing on a C160. 

 

 

Edited January 31 by kpinnc

[Lee1977 7,544]

The bushing in the steering wheel was worn out and hitting the top of the dash on my 520 when I got it.

 

Most everything was raised on the 312-8.