1999-2004 F-150 SVT Lightning SVE 03-04 Style Steering Wheel Installation

Replace your faded, ripped, or worn-out 1999-2004 F-150 Lightning steering wheel with this 03-04 style steering wheel from SVE. One of the most overlooked parts of your Lightning, which sees more use than any other part of the truck, is your steering wheel. Mirroring the design of the 2003-04 Gen 2 Lightning, this SVE leather steering wheel for your 1999-2004 Lightning is thicker and more comfortable than the factory wheel. This SVE steering wheel has a factory-inspired design with perforated leather throughout and a black finish to match your interior. 

Starting with a new aluminum frame, the SVE wheel has 4 spokes around the airbag molded in an OE-style textured urethane. After the molding process, the steering wheel is wrapped with perforated black leather and stitched with black thread for a clean appearance that looks like it could have rolled off the assembly line. SVE made the wheels slightly thicker than stock to give you a better grip and make it feel nicer in your hands. 

Product Links

• 99-04 Lightning Factory-style Steering Wheel
• 97-04 F-150 Air Bag Retaining Bolt Covers
• 99-04 Lightning Steering Wheel Bolt
• 99-04 Lightning Ford Cruise Control Switch Assembly
• 99-04 Lightning Dorman Cruise Control Switch Assembly

• 99-04 Lightning Cruise Control Switch Install

• Microfiber Towels
• Dedicated Automotive Interior Cleaner
• Dedicated Automotive Interior Conditioner
• Interior Brush
• 2-Jaw Puller
• Phillips Head Screwdriver
• Small Flathead Screwdriver
• T-30 Torx Socket
• T-50 Torx Socket
• 3/8" Torque Wrench
• 3/8" Extensions
• 3/8" Socket Set
• 1/2" Socket Wrench
• 1/2" Extensions
• 1/2" Socket Set

Removal & Installation Instructions

Step 1: Remove The Air Bag

• Disconnect the negative battery cable and let it sit for at least one minute.
  
• Locate and remove the (2) bolt hole covers on each side of the steering wheel.
• Remove the (2) 8mm air bag retaining bolts.
• Carefully slide the air bag out of the steering wheel to disconnect the electrical connection.
• Set the air bag aside.

Step 2: Remove The Steering Wheel

• With the air bag out of the way, disconnect the cruise control and horn button harness electrical connection.
• Loosen and remove the steering wheel bolt with a T-50 Torx driver. You will want to hold the wheel with your free hand while you loosen the bolt. 
• Find something to press against that will fit in the hole of the steering shaft. Avoid using anything sharp as this can cause damage to the steering shaft.
• Assemble the 2-jaw puller and run the screw down until you establish some preload. 
• Turn the press screw clockwise with your ratchet to pull the steering wheel off of the shaft.
• Once free, remove the 2-jaw puller.
• Feed the air bag connection through the opening and remove the steering wheel from the truck. Be sure to also remove the item you used to press against.

Step 3: Remove The Factory Parts

• With the steering wheel on a workbench, disconnect the horn electrical connection from the contact pad.
• Loosen and remove the (4) T-30 Torx screws and set the contact pads to the side.
• Remove the (4) Phillips head screws securing the cruise control switches to the frame, there are (2) screws per side.
• Flip the wheel over and remove the (2) Phillips head screws securing the rear trim to the frame.
• Remove the cruise control harness from the frame and set the harness and trim to the side. Be sure to make a note of the harness routing so you can reinstall the wiring in the same orientation.
• Before transferring the parts over to the new SVE steering wheel, you will have to reuse the factory hardware to cut threads into the new frame. 

Step 4: Transfer The Factory Parts To The New Steering Wheel

• Position the cruise control switches and rear trim to your new SVE steering wheel.
• Reroute the wire through the hooks.
• Verify that the harness isn't pinched and snug down the (2) rearward screws.
• Position the cruise control switches into place and install the retaining screws. Remember that the top screw on the driver's side has the ground underneath the head of the screw.
• Reinstall the left-hand horn contact pad and fully tighten the screws.
• Reconnect the electrical connection. Do the same for the other side but make sure the harness gets positioned underneath the pad.
• Before installing the steering wheel, make sure the cruise control harness is properly positioned in the rear trim.

Step 5: Install The SVE Steering Wheel

• Install the steering wheel back on to the steering shaft and feed the air bag connection through the opening in the wheel. 
• Reconnect the cruise control and horn button harness.
• Install a new retaining bolt and torque it down to 28 lb-ft. You may need help from someone to hold the steering wheel in place while torquing the bolt.
• Position the air bag into place and reconnect the electrical connection. 
• Gently push the air bag into place and retighten the (2) retaining bolts. These just need to be hand-tight.
• Snap the bolt covers back into place.
• Reconnect the negative battery cable and test to make sure the horn works.
• You can verify the cruise control switches once you go for a drive. After that, you are good to go.