Horn conversion on '83 Ranger

[thefog72]

I have an '83 Ranger. The horn actuator is on a stalk on the steering column, not the steering wheel itself. I live in the city and driving around on busy streets can be a bit nuts when you have to reach for the horn button as opposed to just pounding the steering wheel.
Is there a way to move the horn from the stalk to the steering wheel? I'm not against switching out the wheel or buying an aftermarket one.

Thanks!

 

[Spott]

You need a steering wheel and the "clock spring" assembly with it. A later gen1 wheel and the assembly behind it would be an ideal solution, if the mounting is the same.

The "clock spring" an assembly with one or more brass or copper "fingers" that run on circuit board tracks around the center steering linkage. It allows the buttons on the steering wheel to stay connected to wires on the column, as you turn the steering wheel.

If you get a non-cruise wheel, then you simply have to hook one wire up. If you get a cruise-control wheel then you'll need to re-do some wiring in the steering wheel, or install a relay.

Spott

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

You need a steering wheel and the "clock spring" assembly with it. A later gen1 wheel and the assembly behind it would be an ideal solution, if the mounting is the same.

The "clock spring" an assembly with one or more brass or copper "fingers" that run on circuit board tracks around the center steering linkage. It allows the buttons on the steering wheel to stay connected to wires on the column, as you turn the steering wheel.

If you get a non-cruise wheel, then you simply have to hook one wire up. If you get a cruise-control wheel then you'll need to re-do some wiring in the steering wheel, or install a relay.

Spott

A "clock spring" is a springy wound set of wires that wind themselves up and unwind each other as the steering wheel turns, usually found on newer vehciles.

I call it a horn contact switch, not sure what the exact name is but it isn't clock spring.

 

[Spott]

A "clock spring" is a springy wound set of wires that wind themselves up and unwind each other as the steering wheel turns, usually found on newer vehciles.

I call it a horn contact switch, not sure what the exact name is but it isn't clock spring.

Yes, you are correct. That is the origin of the term "clock spring", and true clock springs have been used on and off behind steering wheels for decades. The system that is used in gen1 rangers (and probably lots of other vehicles) is cheaper, but less reliable. I don't know why, but they call it a "clock spring" assembly anyways. It's listed that way in my '88 ranger factory service manual.

Technically, I think it's called a "pancake slip ring" with "brushes", but everyone uses "clock spring" to mean "the assembly that connects the buttons on the steering wheel to the rest of the vehicle, regardless of the mechanism". Another bit of trivia: a true clock spring assembly can only be turned a certain amount before reaching mechanical limits, but a slip ring can be rotated indefinitely. It's not a problem on a steering wheel, however, as the wheel can only turn 2 or 3 times from lock to lock.

Spott

 

[exbass94]

You can swap in a steering column from a truck that had the button on the wheel.
http://www.therangerstation.com/forums/showthread.php?t=98538

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Yes, you are correct. That is the origin of the term "clock spring", and true clock springs have been used on and off behind steering wheels for decades. The system that is used in gen1 rangers (and probably lots of other vehicles) is cheaper, but less reliable. I don't know why, but they call it a "clock spring" assembly anyways. It's listed that way in my '88 ranger factory service manual.

Technically, I think it's called a "pancake slip ring" with "brushes", but everyone uses "clock spring" to mean "the assembly that connects the buttons on the steering wheel to the rest of the vehicle, regardless of the mechanism". Another bit of trivia: a true clock spring assembly can only be turned a certain amount before reaching mechanical limits, but a slip ring can be rotated indefinitely. It's not a problem on a steering wheel, however, as the wheel can only turn 2 or 3 times from lock to lock.

Spott

Just trying to clear up terminology so he isn't ripping through JY's trying to find a traditional clockspring for his first generation.