98 XJ. I recently got into an accident and the bags deployed. I don't have the money for $300 bag/wheel combo, so where does everyone go to get their steering wheels? And do most "universal" ones require an adapter?

If its a daily driver its illegal not to put one back in the jeep.If a cop pulls you over they can impound your jeep on the spot over it.

JY near me an air bag is like $50.

State inspections could be a problem too. I got a temporary failure because my 93 had its lift gate's interior plastic replaced. The new plastic came from a 94 or newer that had a 3rd brake light.

I had to get proof from Chrysler historical that it wasn't until 94 that the XJ had a 3rd brake light as required by federal law.

Not illegal to drive, just illegal to sell.

Its a federal law that your jeep has a airbag so removing or disabling it would be illegal.If your in a wreck with out the air bag your insurance company will not cover anything and your liable for all damages.Depending your state like cali the police can write you a ticket and impound the car on the spot if they want.

Go to a junk yard and pull an airbag, its just 2 bolts to take out and 2 wires connections to unhook.MAKE SURE to disconnect baattery before hooking it up in yours, possibility of it going off when installing if you dont.

Using an aftermarket wheel will set off airbag light on dash and as said will cause legal issues.

If you need the wheel also, once the airbag is out, unscrewv retaining nut, prop your knees up behind bottom of steering wheel, and yank at top of wheel. Or have yard pull them.