Key cylinder
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Junior User
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 77
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From: Lexington
Key cylinder
How hard is it to replace the ingnition key cylinder in one of these trucks? I don't know how public I should be making this, but what tha heck 
. I don't have to have a key in the slot in order to turn/start my truck. Just wondering if its worth fixing.
. I don't have to have a key in the slot in order to turn/start my truck. Just wondering if its worth fixing.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 260
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From: Mankato, MN
Twist the key to 'ON' slide a tiny allen or other thick paper-clip-esque object into the access hole under the lock cylinder on the column and pull it out. Set the new one to 'ON'. Push it in. Turn it to off. Done.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2011
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I don't know if it's different if you have a tilt column...
But to do it, you also have to pull the steering wheel.
Pull the steering wheel, stick the old key in or just turn it to RUN if the truck's cylinder turns without a key (like mine did).
Like they said, a small allen key or a paper clip to push in the retaining pin, slide it out, slide the new one right in.
ALSO, the steering wheel will have an index mark on the splined shaft and the plate that sits under the steering wheel nut. Use those so you don't have to worry about lining them up.
But to do it, you also have to pull the steering wheel.
Pull the steering wheel, stick the old key in or just turn it to RUN if the truck's cylinder turns without a key (like mine did).
Like they said, a small allen key or a paper clip to push in the retaining pin, slide it out, slide the new one right in.
ALSO, the steering wheel will have an index mark on the splined shaft and the plate that sits under the steering wheel nut. Use those so you don't have to worry about lining them up.
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From: Denver Metro Area, CO
Insert sound effects from 'Home Improvement' TV sitcom - Huhhhhhhhhhhhhh??????? ;)
Anyhow, from the 1981 shop manual:
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Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2009
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From: Broken Arrow , OK
Even the newer ones are the same. My 87 Bronco and 96 F 250 all have the pin you push in with a punch or precision screwdriver. Then pull the old one and reverse procsdure for the install. Shouldnt take 5 Minutes.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2011
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Chris,
That's what I was thinking, that it was different for tilt-steering models.
Mine is non-tilt, and to remove the lock cylinder, you use the procedure in the photo you provided above.
You don't HAVE to disconnect the battery, but if you aren't careful it'll cause some sparks and maybe the horn to go off.
Ask me how I know. 
The tilt-steering models look like the pin is just below the key cylinder, on the outside instead of the inside like the non-tilts.
That's what I was thinking, that it was different for tilt-steering models.
Mine is non-tilt, and to remove the lock cylinder, you use the procedure in the photo you provided above.
You don't HAVE to disconnect the battery, but if you aren't careful it'll cause some sparks and maybe the horn to go off.
Ask me how I know. The tilt-steering models look like the pin is just below the key cylinder, on the outside instead of the inside like the non-tilts.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2011
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You should be able to take a drill and drill out the tumblers in the lock cylinder by going in from the key hole. Go a little at a time and test until you can turn it. Don't go too far or the little gear thing on the end could break off or you could put metal shavings all in the steering column.
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