what is it?

[Slammin Sam]

Joey,
Since you finally mentioned the steering wheel being off the column, the turn signal ring makes sense. This is where a photo or better description would have yielded a quicker answer. I checked my factory service manual, but there wasn't a definitive drawing of that part. You will get a lot of valuable information on this site, just don't be too thin skinned.

 

[RonD]

Steering wheel off....................important part to leave out

Because prior to that piece of information the original question was a joke, no way to answer it at all except as a joke.

Look here: http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1256678-the-definitive-steering-wheel-swap-thread.html

#5 post has two pictures
Behind the aluminum piece is a white ring, this is called the Clockspring or Slip Ring.
Inside it there is a coil of a multi-conductor wire, this allows buttons to be placed on the steering wheel and remain connected to the steering column wiring harness while the steering wheel turns.

Horn, Air bag, cruise control all use the Clockspring wiring, radio control and other buttons have been added in recent years.

 

[joey7478]

Thanks! I was just trying to see if you could put a custom steering wheel on the ranger. But looks like no.

 

[enjr44]

Thanks! I was just trying to see if you could put a custom steering wheel on the ranger. But looks like no.

I think those days are long gone. Too much stuff in there that is needed.