WTB CJ2A Smaller Steering Wheel

Here's a discussion about making your own.

Try searching tractor restoration sites - I know my Economy (brand) tractor has a wheel that looks like a jeep but is about maybe 14".  Also Crosley cars had a Jeep looking wheel and Cushman and other industrial vehicles are another place to look.  Seems ever old jeep I get in 'somehow' the seat got moved forward and magic - no extra mounting holes

TexBillHS,

Thank you for the information on the ECONOMY POWER KING TRACTOR JIM DANDY STEERING WHEEL. I contacted the seller and asked if he could provide me with the hub diameter and spline count of his wheel. Unfortunately, his wheel will not fit my original cj2a steering column because his wheel hub has 40 splines. My original 17" steering wheel has 36 splines and measures 0.853" spline outside diameter.

However, I've been searching the internet and may have found a direct bolt-on replacement 15" diameter wheel. It has a shallow 4.5" dish and matches my dimensions exactly. Including the 13/16" shaft diameter.

I placed an order for one and it arrives this Wednesday, the 22nd. If it fits, I will gladly update anyone that may be interested, with the part number and website link. (if I'm allowed to do so on the forum).

Thank you all for your valuable information and help in locating this 15" steering wheel.

Bill   

Wheelie, I can offer the following suggestion for your consideration:
1. If your 2A is not a column shift, you can modify the bracket that attaches the steering column to the dash in conjunction with loosening the bolts that attach the bottom of the steering column to the frame. The frame attaching holes are slotted for minor adjusting and you may have adjust the drag link from the pitman arm to bell crank arm. This might change the angle of the steering enough to help you.

2. The 2A seat bottoms rest on top of a cross support in the bottom of the seat frame. The cross support in the 3A seat frame is dropped to the bottom of the seat side rails. If you modify the bottom of your 2A seat frame with stuff from a 3A seat bottom, it will allow more space under the wheel.

I have my steering column bolted to the dash with a bracket (look up some photos of M38). Also, I modified my seat bottoms to 3A type cross supports. I had ample room for entry, driving and exit.

PS...Now that I think back, I think I used a M38 drag link between the pitman arm and bell crank.

Just as a side note. The 3A wheel house behind the driver seat is farther back from the dash as compared to 2A. If my memory is correct: 2A is about 29.750 and 3A is about 31.250. I have 3A tub now for that very reason. I have a little trouble with my GPW.

how much for postage?

Hi All,

As promised, here are a few pictures of my new OLS139 Steiner, 15" steering wheel, installed. I included a few pictures of the original 17" wheel for comparison. Also, the shipping charges were around $17.00.

Enjoy.

Bill

Original 17" Steering Wheel showing seat clearance

New 15" Steering Wheel Installed complete with original horn button.

Side View of New 15" Steering Wheel showing seat clearance

Another Side View of New 15" Steering Wheel showing seat clearance

Side View Comparison of both Steering Wheels

billshar, Thanks much for the information and the pictures. This another option for us portly folks instead of moving the seat back by cutting up the wheel well.

Hi Harvey45,

Thanks for the information on the Sheller steering wheel but that steering wheel has an 11/16" spline shaft hole. The cj2a has a 13/16" spline hole. It's not a bolt-on-replacement.

Bill

I think my answer to the GUT would be a NOS Sheller steering wheel Part number 276-1815 (Economy Tractor) which is 11/16" Hub, 0.67" x 40 spline, selling on the net for $35.  I'd have a machine shop drill it and machine it to 13/16" Hub, 0.853" x 36 spline.  Also, as I did with my M38, remove and top half of the steering column dash mounting bracket and use the dash itself as the top - angles the column up an inch or so more (seat cushion to steering wheel).  You have to loosen the Ross steering box bolts and then re-tighten.   I may buy one of the Shellers and put it on the shelf - maybe someday I'll need it.  Remember 15" is less leverage  - Willys isn't power steering.  The dished one above picture does look a lot more real flat fender Willys then the replaced tilt wheel modern columns/wheels - they look awful.