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The actuator pictured is for the '91 and earlier trucks. The actuator is the linkage in the column that connects the key cylinder to the actual electrical ignition switch down on the bottom of the column. In the later trucks the actuator is a 2-piece plastic assembly. The 2 pieces allow for a tilt column. Ford used the same column for all the later trucks, and just disabled the tilt mechanism on non-tilt columns... The actuator assembly is inside the column, and will be in the replacement. (whether it's good or not is another question...)
If you send me a PM with your email, I'll send you a .pdf with replacement instructions...
I found a thread that said there was a "plug" change within the 92-97 obs columns. I also read that you can switch your "plugs" between the 2 columns because the wiring is the same.. just different "plugs".
is this true? and if so... how time consuming would it be?
So we finally figured out why nothing was matching.. Plugs, Bolt holes, etc.... The column my cousin picked up was for 8500 GVW... My F250 is 8501 GVW... Never even crossed my mind. I told him to return the column he has and start looking for a new 1. Back on the hunt.
I wanted to bring this thread to a close... My cousin grabbed a new steering column and put it in. The truck started right up. You guys were right about it being the actuator inside the plastic housing.