Can anyone tell me what the triangular shaped steel block behind the steering wheel horn pad is? I’m swapping my 89s steering wheel with a better one and received it from the wrecker including the horn pad and triangle thing. I removed my steering wheel today and didn’t find this part in my truck. Is it needed? Should I install it? See picture!

 

It doesn't show up on any of the parts lists, 1987-1990. I'd skip it myself; I bet the Daytona needed it but the Dakota not so much.

Possibly a spacer for the nut? I dunno.

RwP

 

Thanks, that was what I was thinking too. I’m planning on installing factory cruise control while I’ve got the steering wheel off. I have the turn signal stalk, servo control and brake pedal switch from a donor vehicle. Do you know if this is as simple as installing those 3 components to get it to function correctly? Lastly, I want to be very careful in replacing the turn signal stalk, I have the FSM but it isn’t very detailed. How do I get it out- which screws to remove? I’ve attached a picture of what I’m looking at with the wheel removed.
thanks!

 

You'll also have to add the extra wiring for the components.

The three phillips head screws come out and the turn signal switch / cam can come out; the stalk bolts in behind that. I THINK it's that black hex head screw, but I'm not sure (and am NOT about to tear my truck apart to check!)

Did you also get the speedo cables? I think the 89 was still servo-is-controller . If not, you've got a bit more to add in.

The 1988 FSM describes the take apart fairly well, but I'll agree, the drawings could be better.

RwP

 

Well, haven’t been in the garage for a couple of days but I did check out my bits and pieces for the cruise control. The servo unit was removed complete from the donor truck. The unit has a vacuum line that connects to the master cylinder and a throttle cable as well as an electrical connector. I’m guessing the electrical signal from the directional stalk tells the servo to hold vacuum position which in turn will hold the throttle at the set point. It appears to be electronic. I remember having a 78 Corvette with cruise that had a speedometer cable that connected to the transducer under the hood and to the speedo in the dash. On the Dakota set-up, I didn’t see anything like this. I had assumed that the speedo cable would remain as it currently is, connected to the transfer case or transmission (can’t recall which). I also have the brake pedal switch from the donor truck with the correct contacts to override the cruise.

 

Just checked the parts list.

Yah, the 89 control is in the ECU; my 1988 has the controller in the servo itself.

You should be good, as long as you also got the under hood wiring and noted which pins from the ECU went where.

Or have the FSM so you can trace it out.

RwP