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I need an ignition cylinder for an 88 f150 but none of the ones I’ve bought will fit. Is there a way to tell if the column has been changed out for a different year model?
I seriously doubt that your column was changed-out, as that's a lot of work. (Edit: And it would probably be obvious.) And even if it was, the lock cylinder was the same P/N from 1980 to '91 or so.
Much more likely you're experiencing issues with the "timing" of the internal components (the rectangular opening you see when you take the cylinder out), and my guess is the issue is either there, or in the switch itself.
Here's a thought: Do you still have the old lock cylinder? If so, have you compared the new ones to it with a mic?