I bought a 98.5 ram that I'm assuming was in an accident because the steering wheel airbag has been deployed does anyone make a decoy cover or fake airbag because I hate the look of red duct tape and I really don't wanna form out the cash for an actual air bag

 

Find one on the used market? Shouldn't be too hard to find one. No idea what they cost though.

could just replace the entire steering wheel...... not sure which way would be cheaper.

 

Idk about down there but up here, the trucks safety equipment must be in working un modded shape at all times. I get into an accident and it's not working as per, my insurance is null and void no coverage.

Airbag= cheap
Life= priceless

Fix it right.

 

Depending on where you live its illegal to not have an airbag and can be written up as an equipment violation if a cop was to pull you over you could get a fine or have your truck impounded depending on the cops mood. If your a state with vehicle inspections don't dare take it in haha. Also the fact that if you get into an accident and your adjuster comes to look at the vehicle and see you have a tampered airbag or no airbag at all they can drop you or not pay your side of the claim. Take into consideration personal injury that happens without an airbag. Come out of an accident with a few scars vs coming out with a few broken ribs. If your still tied on not getting a new airbag. Your best bet would be to get a racing car style steering wheel. Or you can find someone who is parting out a 2nd gen Ram 98+ and get the whole steering wheel assembly which will be cheaper. Also you can try your local dodge stealership and see if they have the front steering cover or you can add black duck tape to match it.

 

I guess I should specify I picked this truck up for $500 bucks 360 4x4 4.10s anyways it's a strictly off road two track vehicle it'll never see a highway the most on road driving it sees is the 7 miles to the trails I found an 2000-2001 air for $20 will that work? In a 98.5

 

Call the dealer and ask. I can't find much on the 'net.

 

Not sure if the 98.5 has the cruise buttons at the bottom or the side of the wheel, just make sure of that if you buy one because the air bags are different shapes. There are steering wheels and air bags all over ebay, but, like stated, your best bet is to slap an aftermarket wheel on there, especially if it's a trail rig that wont be registered or insured.

 

It's on the sides so will a 2001 work

 

Called the dealer and they said it all depends on what kind of steering wheel airbag console you have and they would need a few numbers off the wheel. In general an 2001 airbag will not fit in a 1998.5 because of the Cruise Control and the airbag wiring wont match up says the dealer. Again,they've never heard of this being done before so there not able to back up their answer fully. They did however say 1998 airbags would work in your 98.5 as long as the cruise control is on the side. There are tons of them all over eBay for cheap. Hope this helped somewhat. And yes if its just a trail rig I wouldn't worry to much about an airbag then. I would probably get like a racing steering wheel or something sporty. But if your trying to keep the truck as close to stock looking as possible which I don't blame you there are a few airbags on ebay. Maybe somebody here can give an better answer as to weather the 2001 steering wheel will work. They look the same you thinkd they match.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/97-98-Dodge-...-/291009887998

 

if you don't want to put out the money into the truck, what about using a different color duct tape?