My 1997-8 T4 steering wheel is crapped out , just looking into what others have done , replaced with another vw what make ? , can you buy new , would like to keep airbag .
Have spoken to couple shops , got no answer or help .
Must be other out there .

Yes they are available. Do a Google search for VW part 705-419-651-A-01C. Here are a few examples:

http://www.busdepot.com/705419651a01c 

http://www.vwparts2go.com/oem-part/volkswagen/eurovan/1995/camper/2-5l-l5-gas...

http://www.vwheritage.com/vw_act_vwclassicParts.search_classicSearchText_7054...