Lance Keelan
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• L.I., NY, USA |
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• Registered on 2/27/2004 |
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• 60 posts |
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 Posted:4/8/2004 17:43 |
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I've been shopping for an Excursion recently. I am also considering a Crew Cab Super Duty.
Something that really bothers me is the difference in steering wheel diameters between the X and the SD.
Yesterday I was wandering around the Ford Dealer lot. I sat in an Excursion and it felt nice. But then I sat in an F-250 SD and it felt so much better! I didn't actually measure the steering wheel but there is definately a difference. Big enough to make me keep questioning getting the X. The X is a better overall truck for my needs, but the pickup would be nice too. Next time I go to the dealer I am going to measure the difference!
Has anybody else noticed this?
If so why the big difference?
I've only sat in Limited X's. Maybe it's different on an Eddie Bauer or XLT?
Any solutions to fatten up the X wheel?
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JohnBoy
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• DFW, TX, USA |
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• Registered on 9/3/2002 |
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• 972 posts |
• 2
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Posted:4/9/2004 13:24 |
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Personally, didn't think the thickness of the X's wheel was an issue...
since it has power steering, it's not like it needs a lot of torwue loading to turn it 
but there are many add ons - wood grain, slip fit, etc... that can be had if u feel the need...
and if this is a show stopper for getting the X - you're REALLY splitting hairs !!!
It IS the best travelling vehicle I've ever had...
2005 6.0L 4x4 Eddie Bauer Ex
2003 6.0L 4x4 Limited Ex - traded in (BooHoo )
"The Republicans should back off and let men marry men, women marry women, and legalize abortion. In three generations there would be no Democrats." |
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monsta
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• The Big Island, HI, USA |
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• Registered on 1/5/2002 |
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• 1,056 posts |
• 2
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Posted:4/9/2004 14:39 |
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I believe that the wheel is thinner for two reasons.
One . To keep it marketable towards women and therefore a family hauler.
Two. The steering wheel is thicker on the SD trucks to better accomodate gloved hands.
Good thing is that the steering wheels are interchangable if you desire the SD wheel.
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Lance Keelan
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• L.I., NY, USA |
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• Registered on 2/27/2004 |
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• 60 posts |
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Posted:4/9/2004 16:20 |
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I may be splitting hairs but it is a "high touch" area and is very influential on the feel of the vehicle.
Monsta....your logic makes a lot of sense but doesn't prove consistent in other vehicles. I used to work for Ford Motor Co. and the steering wheel in the Villager minivan (mostly female customers) was one of the thickest in Ford's lineup....including the Mustang GT. Go figure!
I did think about changing out the wheels but I will either get an Eddie Bauer or Limited X and I'll lose the extra controls on the wheel vs. the SD wheel. Might not be that big of a deal but I'm wondering if there would be an issue with extra wires not being run to a button etc.
Something else to think about. When I worked for FoMoCo we used to have our choice of company vehicle. When I ordered an Explorer I used to get the model WITHOUT the automatic climate control. One difference was the controls on the steering wheel. If you deleted the automatic climate control you got rotary knobs (better IMO) and less controls on the wheel. The BIGGEST difference was the steering wheel on the NON auto was thicker. I have no idea why and was never able to find out (I wasn't close to the engineering community) but there was definately a difference. |
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neilc88
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• Cleveland, OH, USA |
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• Registered on 8/13/2003 |
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• 53 posts |
• 1
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Posted:4/10/2004 08:37 |
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The wife does love the feel of the wheel.  I always thought it was nice and never had an issue with the size. |
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