Hello all. I am trying to swap a 3rd gen steering wheel w/cruise and functional airbag into my 2nd gen 1500 2wd. I am doing some research to see how the airbag system works on the 3rd gen as I believe the 3rd gen has the newer style airbags.

So far I know the 3rd gen has the airbag, clock spring, and airbag module. How does the 2nd gen (97 to be specific) air bag system work? I assume they have the older style airbags. Is there an airbag module in the 2nd gens?

I have attached a picture of the 04 airbag and clock spring for reference.

Thanks,
Mike

 

The 2nd gen does have an airbag module as well. I cannot attach more pictures but between the 2nd and 3rd gens, the steering wheel, airbag, clock spring, and airbag module are all different and would need to be swapped.

Now the question is, what are the pins on the airbag module connector? and can it simply be a connector swap. This already looks very involved and may not be worth it anymore.

 

Seems like you would have to swap a bunch of stuff. You also need to check if there are differences in crash sensors. Sometimes there are major differences year to year for the air bag systems. You have the wiring diagrams? That sholdtell you pinouts. All I can say is be careful. Them airbags are dangerous things.

 

Looks like this is too involved and impractical just to have a newer steering wheel. Oh well.

 

agreed, safety is first. The hell with a different steering wheel.