Can you add an air bag steering wheel to a truck without one? Or is it the kind of thing that needs to be factory done to work correctly?

 

yes you can use it, but the air bag will not work.

 

There is a LOT more to making airbags work than just the airbags, there are sensors and a separate computer too. Why would you want that nonsense on your truck anyway, they rank right up there in the useless category with ABS and traction control IMO.

 

false sense of security.
it makes you think the airbag will not let you get hurt.

 

I am looking for a truck to drive and work on for a few years with my son, then he can drive it when he gets his permit. While I don't particularly like ABS I think an air bag is generally a good thing. I know people that have been injured by the bag, probably worse than they would have from the accident, but there are many more accidents where it saves on injuries.
So, what truck would you recommend for my situation? He likes the older design, pre '97 trucks. And I want a truck for him to learn about how the components work together and general mechanical principles.

 

If you want an air bag and rear ABS then look at 1994 and newer F150s or a Bronco. With the Bronco you will get 4 wheel ABS as well as the air bag.