So I managed to hit a deer while going 70 down the highway Monday morning around 3 A.M. The airbag was way worse than the deer and looks like its going to cost as much as the front end. I ended up having to call a tow truck to pull the bumper out of the tire so i could drive the rest of the way home without killing my tire.

Now I am dealing with insurance trying to not total the truck because it is right at the line. however, as soon as I have a settlement I will be fixing the truck ASAP.

Plans for it include aftermarket lights, and an HD conversion, I lucked out and there isn't a scratch on the hood or fender, also I do not believe there is any frame damage.

Which brings me to my question, will a 2008+ steering wheel fit onto the column of a 1999? I think it would be a nice upgrade for looks and to make it feel a bit more modern but don't want to have to change the splines or column.

 

If you got a front airbag deployment I bet the frame got tweaked. The sensor is located on the crossrail behind the bumper and when it moves the frame generally moves.

 

I doubt the frame has any damage they are pretty strong. other than the bumper mounting brackets welded to the frame but those are an easy fix i see that all the time. The air bag sensors are on the bottom of the core support. I highly doubt the 08 steering wheel will work. 1 I think I heard somewhere the spline are different. 2 I tried to put a 2005 steering wheel on my 2001 because it looks a lil nicer and had radio controls on it. Mine has a one plug air bag connection and the 2005 has 2. Last time I pulled a 2008+ bag I think they are 2 plugs as well.

 

Frame damage really isn't a problem, I can source parts from a salvage and do the repairs myself for a lot less than the repair costs are quotes so I think I can fund the whole fix even after state farm takes my deductible out.

The steering wheel is kinda a bummer because I was hoping to have something a little nicer in there by the end of this but I guess its either a replacement stock airbag or a grant. do the caddy wheels from 99 fit? I cant imagine them being different.

 

I bet a cadi wheel that year would work. And if you do the work yourself yeah there should be plenty of money for parts because a lot of the insurance estimate is labor cost. But I don't mind that. That's how I make my money

 

1999 Chevy Silverado Steering Wheels at CARiD.com

A carbon fiber wheel might be what you're looking for.

 

Yeah there should be plenty of money to fix it, insurance quote is 3800 and I can get everything for about 1500 so the truck might get a few toys in the process

 

I haven't seen a carbon wheel on a truck, any pics of one?