Apparently, this is not an uncommon issue for many modern cars and a company in Italy has created steering wheel spacers for people like me. SpacerShop.com provided me with a spacer to test and I must say, it’s not too shabby. Their product is exactly what it sounds like, a 6 cm spacer that puts the steering wheel closer to the driver. Installation was a breeze, aside from needing a different washer than the one that was provided. All the wiring for the airbag and steering wheel controls worked perfectly fine. The driving position was dramatically improved and being so tall, I’m still far enough away from the steering wheel to feel like I wouldn’t eat the airbag if an accident were to occur. Unfortunately, it put the shift paddles and the turn stalk 6 cm farther away. *Sigh* That makes another problem to fix.
Shift Koncepts makes telescoping 3D-printed shift paddle extenders for aftermarket steering wheels. In theory, this should work perfectly, but in practice, this is more like a C- solution to the problem. The biggest issue is that the paddles are now secured by a single screw that allows for rotation. This can cause the paddles to be easily twisted out of alignment and then they smack the steering wheel. They are also extra pointy on the ends, which can be a rude awakening when steering quickly. I will likely modify these to work better before hitting the track, but I can’t say I wholeheartedly recommend the product as it shipped.
13 comments
It’s the simple things! I too am amazed at how long it sometimes takes to figure out the causes of things like leg pain. Owning a car for many years gives you the time to steadily find and fix issues like this.
I am going to have to do something similar to my Insight, but will need to cut and weld to make it work.
Do you put your wallet in your back pocket?
I’ve always been a wallet in the front pocket kind of guy. Honestly not sure how I hurt my back but about 10 years ago I had to get injections. Once I learned soft couches and no leg support made things worse, I’ve just avoided those situations and I basically never have any pain. I figured out the car seat thing about 2-3 years ago and now 99% of my life is pain free!
The wallet in my back pocket kicks my ass on long drives!
I had a 2011 tundra rock warrior just like you guys and it always gave me leg pain when driving. Seemed to me we be able to adjust the seat to fix it.
yep, mine too! fun fact: if you do it long enough, it’ll pinch off bloodflow to your lower leg and your toes will go numb. fun!
My wife corrected that habit of mine a while ago. It’s one of the biggest, yet easiest diagnosis she has to make.
Could not order a spacer fast enough for my Subaru. Been wanting a product like this for years! Thanks for the tip.
Glad to help!
Paint Protection Film is a much better/stronger solution for keeping headlight lenses protected. The clear coat is still susceptible to rock chipping/stone-rash, and will start to peel/flake- sometimes within less than a year. Most modern PPF is rated to a minimum life expectancy of 4yrs on a lens, and can last up to 10yrs- and it is designed to resist and prevent rock chipping, along with providing UV protection. The other added bonus to PPF is that most modern PPF films are self-healing.
I honestly don’t have any experience with PPF, but I will certainly look into it. The daily driver Honda Insight headlights were done over a year ago and still look as good as day 1, the Evo was done about this time last year and they look great as well, but it doesn’t get nearly as many miles or exposure to the elements. I totally see your points on rock chips though!
What body shop does motoiq work with? Im a Gardena local as well and Im looking to get some work on my 9 doneL