JEEP XJ upgrade the Steering wheel for a more modern feel

Bring the dated interior of your XJ Cherokee to a more modern day feel by swapping out the old steering wheel to a new one from a Jeep Compass. This swap does have the option to keep the cruise control with a add on kit.
Kit was listed on Etsy: Justaguymakingthings $49.69
Works on 1997-2001 XJ &TJ Only
Unfortunately, you will no longer have an airbag due to different wire harnesses from the different models.
++++ NOTE 2011-2017 COMPASS/PATRIOT WHEELS ONLY
GRAND CHEROKEE/JK WRANGLERS LOOK IDENTICAL BUT THEY HAVE A LARGER STEERING SHAFT AND WON'T FITIN XJ OR TJ
#budgetbuilds #jeepcherokee #jeepxj

[@jojekin]

Just eyeballing this it looks like you can swap the "inflation charge" from one steering wheel to the other. They are held on by four bolts. Take the single stage inflator off the old steering wheel and bolt it on the new steering wheel in place of the new two stage inflator. I haven't done this, but if you measure the bolt pattern and it's the same. it seems to be an easy solution for keeping your airbag operational.

[@nextweeksadventure]

True I never thought about that. I'd be worried something goes wrong and I'm not interested in it exploding in the face. 🤣 but good idea thanks!

[@seanmacdonald8476]

I feel the same about the cruise, with gears and 35s it's still a lot to ask for it to handle. Ironically cruise was on my short list when looking at jeep and I probably turned away a few better options that didn't have it... Personally I love the feel of the factory wheel and mine somehow has not falled to pieces yet. I would recommend talking to Project Dan H he is super friendly youtuber you've probably seen his vids. He likes upgrading steering wheels and knows a lot about how to make different models play nice.

[@jedisly4839]

Looks sick, might try this on my 2000 TJ thanks for the info ✌🏼

[@BuilditMotorsport]

For anyone wondering about the airbag. The new airbag has a dual charge. A primary and a secondary. This is because newer collision detection systems have the ability to detect the severity of an impact and fire the higher or lower airbag charge. You can connect the airbag but it will take some research to decide which charge you prefer to have operational and how you want to go about connecting the wiring. Just do your research and be careful

[@projectbumblejeep4190]

Just a thought about the airbag, why not just cut the wire end off both air bag harness's and switch them out? IF your new wheel didn't come with the pigtail for the air bag, you might have to hunt one down. Hope this helps. New wheel looks great!

[@nextweeksadventure]

I thought about doing that but the old airbag just has 1 pigtail connection and the new one has 2. Not sure which one to hook up and definitely afraid to hook up wrong and blow the bag. I always worry when out wheeling about setting it off on a trail so now thats no longer a issue. Thanks!

[@mightymikee]

I was told that connecting the 2 stage airbag in parallel to the existing ACM wire will get the airbag light off. That was from a vendor in Etsy. Airbag plugs can be purchased from ebay brand new. That is where I got mine from.

[@NickMango]

You know what man, I looked an xj a couple months ago and this guy did this steering wheel mod and I asked him about the airbag light and he said no light. And I thought that meant he got it working. It didn’t even look occur to me that he just pulled the bulb. That sneaky bastard haha. Good thing I didn’t buy it. Who knows what else he lied about.

[@Jolly-Sid69]

Hello, I really like your idea. I have a Jeep Wj and I'm wondering if I can replace the steering wheel from the Compass to my Wj. I saw the steering wheel swap from Wj to Xj. What do you think ? Regards

[@nextweeksadventure]

I've seen people put grand cherokee steering wheels in xj's before. So I would assume this wheel would work in it but I can't commit to saying 100% it will.

[@Jolly-Sid69]

@@nextweeksadventure Thank you for the quick reply. Regards

[@matthewgordon4192]

I've got a 92 XJ Limited. Will this swap work on my jeep?

[@nextweeksadventure]

Not 100% sure but I dont believe this will work on your year. I can't find the notes on wheel hub sizes across years and models along with the wheel itself. They had several different models with different size bores.

[@tdvgera8978]

Do you know if it will work on a WJ ?

[@nextweeksadventure]

I've heard people put wj steering wheels in xj's so I would think it will work but I'm not 100% sure. Sorry.

[@tdvgera8978]

@@nextweeksadventure thanks if that’s the case I’m thinking it should be

[@Gaugeburns50]

HELP! I can't find the cruise option adapter

[@nextweeksadventure]

I did a search for it. Shows as sold out. You might try contacting the guy who makes and sells them see what he says.

[@Gaugeburns50]

@@nextweeksadventure could you send me a link? And I love the jeep. I have a 2000 patriot blue one. Your videos help out alot! Keep making them lol

[@nextweeksadventure]

@@Gaugeburns50 try this one. www.etsy.com/listing/1460608845/cruise-control-adapter-board-for

[@nextweeksadventure]

It might take some digging but I think you can contact the seller somehow and talk about getting it.

[@Traulus83]

Taking out a safey feature, just because the steering wheel is smaller then the old one. One HB less :))))))

[@yslab3l960]

I’ve hit so hard with trees and rocks airbag has yet to deploy so who cares

[@sweatypalmms8794]

Exactly mine doesn’t even have an airbag lmao