QuestionQUESTION: I am looking for a steering column for a 1997 F350 without an airbag - I am having a hard time locating one in junk yards. Would you know where I can find one? I am in New Jersey.
Thanks :)
ANSWER: Hi Marianne:
Driver side airbags were required for all American vehicles beginning in 1992 (including trucks). You will have to buy one with an airbag and remove the steering wheel and clockspring to retrofit it to one without. I hope that makes sense to you
Good luck
Doug
www.stolenandrecovered.com
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Actually, that is not true. It was not required for 1 ton trucks. I bought this truck brand new from the dealer in 1997 and did not have an airbag. They do exist, just that the problem I am having happens to be a VERY common problem and that is why they are hard to come by. And it is said that the steering column with the airbag is totally different. So, If you know of a whereabouts of one without an airbag, please pass info along. It would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks, Marianne
AnswerMarianne:
My apologies. You are correct and I am wrong on this one. I neglected to notice the size of your vehicle and those larger size trucks were exempt form the airbag requirement. Sorry
The good news is that I can refer you to a website that will help you (a lot!)
For a used column...Try this site. You should be able to find what you need and even negotiate for a good price.
www.car-part.com
It's the website all the salvage yards use when they say "Hang on--let me see if my other yard has it". Actually it's an online database of all the salvage yards in America. You can search by part, location or price
Good Luck
Doug
