what would i need to do to swap out my really gay steering wheel for a newer one? ( has the cruse buttons on the bottom of the wheel)
both air bag.

and what would i need to swap in a overhead console and have it work?

its a 1997 ram 1500 4x4

 

yeah i have been thinking about doing the same but mine has no cruise.
i really liked the steering on my 05 neon.its the same one thats in the header at the top of the page^^^

 

They have air bags in them also don't they? That could be tricky you would need to remove the airbag cover, then the airbag, then the big nut and then you ussualy need a big puller as the steering wheel itself is on a splined shaft.
Of course you need to de-activate the airbag first or you'll get the pieces in your face to say the least.

 

Yeah, its possible, I mean these trucks use the same steering columns. Just take it off and swap. Simple enough?

Take the negative cable off the battery then wait 2 minutes for the airbag capacitor to drain.

 

^ Agreed, I picked up a steering wheel puller at Sears when I replaced my clock spring (cost around $20 i think). Make sure you disconnect your battery and wait a few minutes for the charge in the airbag system to dissipate before servicing, like Skab said, if you don't de-activate the airbag first, you'll wind up getting your face crushed.

Sorry Purpl, didn't refresh before I posted.

 

pulling the wheel is nothing. im just worried the plugs and what not wont work, ill be pulling mine most likely out of a 99 dakota or durango.

guess ill just pull it all and see....

not sure about what to do about the overhead console.

 

I took the airbag equipped wheel of an old Beretta I had without incident..... put a Grant signature series wheel on in its place...... just make sure you use extreme caution! I'm scared to death of those damned airbags