6 Steps for Adding a Raptor Steering Wheel to Your F-150
It's easy to tell that Raptor steering wheels are superior to stock F-150 steering wheels. They’re heated, made of better quality materials (i.e. leather), and more comfortable to grip.
We're waiting for Ford to wise up and start installing Raptor steering wheels in all their F-150s. Until then, the only way to enjoy the Raptor steering wheel without buying a Raptor is to perform a swap. Good news - it's actually pretty easy!
Parts You May Need to Get
A 2004 F-150 Lariat steering wheel, via Crystal Foxx
The existing parts in your stock F-150 steering wheel may not work with your new Raptor steering wheel. It depends on how old both of your steering wheels are. You may need to get replacement parts to make your Raptor steering wheel compatible with your F-150. We recommend getting the following replacement parts:
- Raptor steering wheel (for example, part # BL3Z3600CB for 2011-2014 F-150 trucks)
- Clock spring (for example, part #GL3Z-14A664-A for 2011-2014 F-150 trucks)
- Harnesses
- Control buttons
- Torque sensor
- An airbag (for example, part #9L3Z15043B13AC for 2009-2014 F-150 trucks) - Only if the stock F-150 steering wheel doesn't have a functioning airbag
A sweet Ford Raptor steering wheel, via Ford.com
When you have all your parts ready, park your F-150, keep your steering wheel straight, and follow these steps:
1. Disconnect Your Battery
To make sure the airbag won't deploy, you have to disconnect the battery. If you’re not sure how to do that, this WikiHow tutorial will help you out.
2. Remove the Airbag
There are small holes on both sides of the stock F-150 steering wheel, as well as one underneath. Apply pressure in each hole with an Allen wrench and the air bag will pop out a little bit. Use the Allen wrench to apply pressure behind the airbag panel (on the steering wheel), and it’ll come out. Disconnect all three connectors behind the airbag. Finally, set the airbag aside with the new Raptor steering wheel.
Important note: set the airbag down face up in case it deploys!
3. Remove the Stock F-150 Wheel
Here’s a tutorial that can help you pull this off (no pun intended). As the tutorial states, seek out professional help if you're unsure of working around the airbag.
4. Put the Raptor Wheel in Place
You can follow the same steps you took while removing the stock steering wheel, only in reverse. If you have a new clock spring, install it first before putting in the new wheel. There are a couple of upgrades you can make, as well:
- Heated steering wheel
- Raptor shift paddles
If You Want Your New Raptor Wheel To Be Heated
If your truck already comes standard with a heated steering wheel, you can use the existing wires to make your new Raptor wheel heated, too. You need to make sure that your Raptor steering wheel is heated first. Not all Raptor steering wheels are heated. Only the ones that are made for the higher trim levels are heated.
If your truck doesn’t come standard with a heated steering wheel, you need to add a heated steering wheel control module.
If You Want Raptor Shift Paddles Too
Raptor paddle shifters are a great feature to have. The make driving more fun by:
- Having more control over shifting
- Easily downshifting to get engine braking
- Easily getting the right gear before cornering
Adding paddle shifters is not a simple job. There’s a lot of wiring involved. We put together an easy-to-follow tutorial if you’re interested in doing this.
5. Swap in Some Components From the Stock F-150 Wheel
Remove the plate above the controls. Next, see which components you need to replace with a new part or an existing part from your stock F-150 steering wheel. You might need to swap in your factory control buttons, harnesses, clock spring, and/or torque sensor.
6. Hook Up the New Raptor Wheel
Route the wires, reconnect the controls, put the plate back on, put the airbag in, reconnect the battery, and then drive off into the sunset!
Have you tried out this swap? Share your pics on Facebook!