I have a 1990 Bronco. The ignition switch stopped working and I discovered the problem to be a small $10 part. The problem is the I can't get the column to come apart enough to replace it. I have taken the ignition switch out, steering wheel off and everything else out that I could see, but I still can't get it. I even took the three blind cap screws out and made it very loose. What am I missing?! I am completely lost.

 

Hi Ryno,

I have the same problem with my 1990. I assume it's the cast aluminum part located inside the actual steering column. This part controls the gear shift lockout and the ignition switch return spring. There is a spring next to it that I think is the ignition switch return from start position spring. The problem looks to me that the part goes through the tilt mounting assembly. It also looks to me that the assembly mus be removed.
I'm just getting into this fix, and was wondering if you repaired yours. If so, can you offer any advice?

Thanks, Leyton

 

Look for the snap ring on the steering shaft just behind the steering wheel splines that's keeping it in the the upper bearing.

 

Did finished doing this on my 89 F150 (for the second time).
Once you get all the obvious stuff, you have to pull the "tilt" part of the column off. Look underneath and you see the big spring and ratchet mechanism that you'll be taking apart. Try to remember how both are situated before you start. If you haven't already, you'll want to take the 3 phillips screws from the lower plastic collar to let it slide back down to column out of the way. For some reason the screws must be accessed from the rear. If you haven't completely removed the column, they're a little tough to get at. (I never pull my column, just unbolt it from the dash so it rests on the seat.
Look on each side of the "tilt collar", you'll see two threaded pins. Or you'll just see the threads really. Find a fine thread machine screw that fits these threads. (A machine screw is what I had handy, you might a small bolt or something that'll fit just as well). Thread it in and use the screw to lever the pins straight out. Easier if you've found two screws, one for each side. You have to keep the tilt part pressed forward with your hand while you do this, the spring underneath will pop the thing off and bust you in the mouth or something. Not that dangerous, just watch for it.
Once you have all that out of the way (IIRC) you have to remove the mechanism right behind the key lock to get the new horseshoe part thing's linkage connected up. Also IIRC, there's one tiny rollpin to be removed from your old one and transferred to the new one. Hopefully you can figure this out better than I can remember it. Sounds like the "pins" are what's holding you up.
Reinstalling the tilt (held on by the threaded pins) is the tough part. You have to keep the spring situated while pressing the tilt collar back on and trying to line up the pin holes. At the same time, the hook that goes into the tilt ratchet (looks like a curved saw blade) tries to go UNDER the ratchet instead of hooking onto the teeth. Doable but annoying. Probably a lot easier if you have a helper.
I feel like I've type a whole bunch and still not explained this particularly well. Hope it helps.