Today I received (and installed) the new steering wheel I ordered for my Excursion. I've noticed that it seems these trucks have steering wheels that wear out somewhere around the 80-90k mark. The shame of it is that on my truck, the steering wheel was the only part that prevented the truck from looking close to new, and certainly not having 96k on the clock (at least, after a little touch-up paint where there were a few small dings on the exterior).

I searched around and ordered a wheel from an eBay vendor. It's a wood wheel and the leather is retrimmed. Here's a link to the auction:

http://search.ebay.com/170178503312

This guy I found to be extremely friendly and helpful. He even mailed me some leather samples so I could compare them to my interior to make sure I ordered the proper one seeing as I wasn't completely sure how they would match up. I got my wheel in a burlwood trim, which matches the factory wood on my Limited.

The price can't be beat. For $200 shipped I have what looks and feels like what Ford should have done from the factory for the Limiteds, or at least had as an option. Not only has it removed the one part of the interior that made it look less than new, it also is a significant improvement over stock.

The one "gotcha" I had was on pulling the old wheel off. I got a loan-a-tool steering wheel puller from the auto parts store, only to pull off the airbag and find there were no threaded holes to thread the bolts in for the puller! The wheel had no intentions of coming off on its own. So, I got out the 5 lb sledge and a couple of whacks from behind on the old wheel were enough to get it off. I know if I'd wanted to take more time I could've done this properly, but I wanted to get it done.

I'll post pictures tomorrow, as it's too dark now to get good pictures.

 

Nice wheel!! I am like you.. The only part of the truck that does not look new is the steering wheel. I have it on my todo list... Looking forward to the picks as i too have a 2000 X LTD 4X4 6.8 with 100000Miles..

Cheers

 

Nice find!! I put a King Ranch wheel on my F350, but it isnt wood. It has the KR leather top and bottom, It should wear better than the lariat wheel. I like the wood trim better. My X is just starting to show wear so maybe I'll order one. The price seems quite reasonable. Ford had the KR wheel listed for 220.

 

What I like about this wheel is that it looks and feels like something that Ford would have put in from the factory, right down to color matching. That is most impressive to me. I pay close attention to steering wheels since that's one of the primary means of driver input, and plus I also want to keep my truck's interior looking as nice as possible. So it looks factory, it feels factory, and it actually doens't stand out as anything but a nice wheel, i.e. it doesn't scream "I'M DIFFERENT!"

 

Bought a wheel for the X and for my Expedition. He's a great guy to deal with. Highly recommended. See pics in URL below.

Bart

 

I also replaced my wheel. The stock leather wheel is just crap. I think mine actually started to wear even before what has been said. I had no problems getting mine off though. What I am very disappointed in is the seats in my excursion. My Drivers seat is really banged up. I am a bigger guy at 260 but it has been beat. Other seats seem to be in decent shape even with all the wear and tear from kind and dogs. Anyone no where I could get a new leather seat for the drivers side without going to FORD.

 

I too may be in the market for a new wheel. I have audio and HVAC controls as well as the standard cruise. I tried the link for ebay and it did not work. Do you have any further information. A standard leather, or a wood one, it really doesn't matter.
Does the Lincoln Navigator wheel work as well?
Do I send my old wheel in as a core?

 

Subscribed for pics. I've been interested in that wheel as well.

 

eBay Motors: Fords E- F- Excursion 99-07 Dark Cherry Steering Wheel (item 250336985200 end time Feb-01-09 17:40:56 PST)

There you go, it looks very sexy I think. If i could re-trim my Excursion in that color wood grain, I think it would go nicely.

 

What is the name of the vendor or the store?

 

I have the audio/HVAC/Cruise steering wheel

 

here you go!!! 01 lincoln navigator wheel. I got mine from ebay brand new last year for $65. still had the factory packaging. bad thing is that since mine is an 01, it doesnt have the radio controls and the hvac controls. i just bought it for the wood.

 

Racerx775
You beat me to the post.
The Lincoln Navigator is "the wheel" to get. Some of the newer models have like an oak finish and they go well with the tan leather.
But the wheel you have will meet all safty spec's and looks awesome on an EX.

 

thanks, it is a perfect color match to the leather and the wood matches the plastic stuff on the doors.

 

A friend of mine has a lincoln navigator and I was looking at his steering wheel this summer and it is an exact match.
His navigatior also has air-conditioned seats plus heat.

Actually there's a few little odds and ends that are up-grades for excursions on the navigator. But the steering wheel is the number one.