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[Crash_AF]

The clock spring is the wiring in the column that makes the airbag and steering wheel controls work. Since airbags don't like the slider contacts like the older vans, there is an actual hardwired connection between the column and wheel. It is wound inside a case and looks like a clock spring, hence the name, to give it enough length to allow full motion of the steering wheel. I don't know if Ford used one for all, or different springs for cruise/non cruise. Mopar used a different one for each.

My guess is just install a wheel with buttons and a new clock spring and you're good to go.