How hard is it to....

[IvanDan]

remove the stock steering wheel on a 1997 Ranger and not explode the airbag? I've heard of people selling these things for $300-$400 is this true? Any insight as to how to remove it without blowing it out would be great.

Thanks!

[Oscar]

-Completely disconnect your battery
-try and start the truck to de-energize any stored energy
-dis-assemble your steering column
-find the harness that runs from the airbag to the sensors and unplug it
Then wallaa!!!

You should be clear for dis-assembly.... Keep in mind i've never done it myself but, the above would be my personal attempt....PROCEED AT YOUR OWN RISK

[Jeff_B]

I've never done one on a ranger, it probably isn't much different than a fullsize.

It's really easy, there are some bolts that you will need to access from the back of the steering wheel (should be 4). They will most likely be covered by plastic plugs, just pop those out using a small flat blade screwdriver. Once the bolts are removed (10mm ?) pull the air bag portion of the wheel toward you, it should slide out easily, all that is left to do is un-plug the electrical harness.

If you plan on removing the wheel portion you will need a puller. You can rent them at auto parts stores.

Don't stress about setting the bag off! :)

[mattb]

I would also do a search on the internet about the sensativity of the airbag system. I'm sure somewhere on the internet there is a true diagram for airbag removal. From what I've seen before, they are not something to be fooled around with, a simple spark from static electricity can help to produce quite the "explosion" that you wouldn't want to be in the way of. If I'm not mistaken, they are treated by the bomb squad when they are found by the athorities. (i.e.- chop shops) I'd hate for someone here to try to do something and end up hurt. I'd do plenty of homework.

[matt_helton]

Dan, just pull the SIR fuse and remove the bag(s). done deal.

[DEZFAN]

Forget the $400 dollars, start the car and hammer off one of the air bag sensors, and scare the nieghbors.

[Rprice]

It is two bolts and they are on the sides of the wheel. 10mm and then undo the plug and its out. just remove the negative on the battery and wait 15-20min. i just sold a toyota airbag for $100 on ebay and i know i could have gotten $200+. good luck.
-RP

[ntsqd]

Forget the $400 dollars, start the car and hammer off one of the air bag sensors, and scare the nieghbors.

I'd rather pull it intact, and then launch stuff with it!

[FlyHiFlyLo7]

Two bolts on the back of the wheel spokes. Pull bag forward off the wheel and unplug the two wires.

You can disconnect the battery if you want to be safe. But you really dont have to.

Then when you have the bag in hand. Hook up 25 ft of speaker wire to the two two leads on the back of the bag. Place bag face down in the middle of driveway. Touch leads to battery. BOOOOM! The charge in the bag is less than a .22LR bullet. The bag should reach 20 ft on a good day.