Bought a new (to me) 1987 F-250 XLT Lariat Super Cab 4x4 Diesel 4spM (w/ 120,000 miles)...


Having loads of fun with;

The key was stuck in the ignition...

You need the strength of Solomon to turn the key, and engage the starter...

The turn signals don't work...

The tilt-wheel function stopped working [after trying to replace the ignition], I swear I heard something fall out...

The PO used a stick and a rag to prop up the driver's door window...


We have replaced the turn signal cam and flasher... nothing.

We have ordered an ignition switch...

We have a new ignition actuator...

We have a new set of window gears on the way...

We have mostly disassembled the steering column....

We are considering replacing the entire turn signal harness...

** How - in the H*LL - does one get the complete turn signal wiring harness (actually, the connector) in or out of the steering column?

** Why haven't I read/heard about Ford truck owners driving their trucks through dealers' windows - after becoming fed up with the repetitive failures?

*** We all know the damn window motors are going to have stripped gears...

*** We all know the ignition is going to puke...

*** We all know the turn signal cam is going to fail...

*** We all know the rear window on Broncos will fail to go up, especially if is raining...

*** We all know this and more, but we keep returning... like it is some old girlfriend, who we think is going to treat us better the next time around.


Yep, I'm guilty... I love my truck. I just hate how she acts up...

 

I forgot to add... I fixed one problem!

Yeah...

'Hey, there's a broken wire here... I bet it belongs right there!'

We hooked it up... AND now we have the bloody door chimes back in operation!!!

I swear...

 

You need to replace that ignition switch, to do so, you just have to turn the key to the ON position, then, use a small/slim center-punch or similar inside the hole in the lower half of the column cover, to push the release button. Once you pushed the button in, you can pull the switch out.

Regarding the tilt wheel: search on the left side of the column, the plate were the little lever threads into, it should have a coil in there, clinging by the bottom of the plate, maybe you lost that one.

 

Wouldnt it have been easier to just get another column from the JY? Lol

 

I rebuilt the column on my previous truck due to turn signal cancel, ignition issues and one other thing that I had to get some hinged pushrod for. The only fidgity bit for a tilt wheel is you need to get the little tool that pulls the hinge pins out of the tilt portion in order to get access to all the bits, if I remember correctly. Be aware there's a spring in there that may be a big surprise when you get the second hinge pin out.

It wasn't that difficult it was just time consuming...

...edit...
The pushrod down to the switch broke. I could get it to the ON position but start would not work. Kept a shop starter button hanging out the front of the grill to jump the starter until I could fix it.
...edit...

 

Go to the JY not a pick n pull !!! Changing the column is a HUGE piece of cake !!! Just be sure the one you get has a key so you can check it out BEFORE you install it.
Choice #2 is FTE has a "parts wanted" message area, and that is where I got mine... under $100 shipped.
Choice #3 is Car-Part.com--Used Auto Parts Market this covers any area of the country.

Helpful link https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/9...lumn-swap.html
The turn signal wires are actually easy to do... they should come with the column..
If you are just changing the turn sig. switch it's not too bad either...
#1 separate the 2 arched parts Take the upper one and #1 write down the color pattern on BOTH SIDES top and bottom take a pic with your phone too
on the arched part remove the "RED" pin lock ... now pull all the wires out and thread them thru the upper part of the column .... reverse it and your done... GET THE WIRES RIGHT !!!
Keep your sanity toss the old column and get another one !!!

 

agreed, sounds like the spring fell out of the tilt mechanism.

 

to replace the turn signal assembly you need to unpin the plug first.

 

Hey there Tom, I got a question for you .... is un-pinning the plug the same as I said about removing the "RED" pin/wire lock? Just tryin to find out if I missed a step or are we calling the same deed by 2 different names... You know... the old East coast...West coast language barrier thing ...LOL !!! Dave in the desert

* I really love your T-shirt in your avatar ... @ 345lbs. I NEED 1 of those LOL !!!

 

^ +1 on changing out the entire column....so much easier and usually fixes multiple problems at once. Just be sure to get a decent one from the j/y.
Roger

 

yea, same difference.
i actually missed your comment about the pin lock.
it has been so long since i did one i could not remember if it had the lock or if you had to use the special tool to unlock each wire pin.

 

The RED lock plate removed is all that's needed... then they all escape to freedom LOL Dave

 

the older ones you needed to use the pin unlocking tool on each pin in the plug. a royal pain in the posterior.