will a steering wheel with cruise-control from a 2005 model explorer work with my column and cruise-control?

I know the buttons are different but are the electrical parts and harnesses the same?

 

Most likely not 02 and newer are no longer ranger based its a different frame and design.

 

I have a 2002 xlt, would it still not work?

 

nay

 

Well heres the thing anything CAN be done but this swap would most likely require a custom steering linkage to be built as well as the mounting bolts under the dash are probably different also wiring would have to be custom and I'm pretty good with wiring but i still wouldn't want to be on the business end of an airbag i had spliced in myself its just to risky as far as safety is concerned. If you want a different look try the 99-01 expo/mountaineer steering column those are ranger based and you could probably get it to fit with little modification.

 

I am very interested in trying to replace my steering wheel with an old wood wheel, and run all my cruise control switches to a small mounted box somewhere around the control for my lights. I don't have the mechanical or technical chops so I wanted to ask just how possible this is and what the steps would be for accomplishing this.

 

it is possible however you need to be decent in wiring. I've done it to my dads f150 but it almost took all day. YOU WILL NEED A DIGITAL MULTI-METER!!!!

You need to figure out which wire goes to each button from the column side (under the covers on the opposite side of the universal joint from the steering wheel) and make sure they have no overlap with the airbag and horn. once you find every wire, you can run then with little trouble and then run a new power and possibly ground if the airbags and horn use the same. You could splice those right into the existing wires.