I had one heck of a learning experience today with my 1990 F150 4x4. The linkage (made out of pop metal) from my key switch to the rod that actuates the ignition switch broke. The part was $10.17. My local Ford Dealer Service Dept wanted $400 labor!! I'm a fair shade tree mechanic and thought even though it might take me longer, it would be well worth it to try this myself.

Tearing the steering column down to the point where this linkage goes was pretty complicated. The guy at the Ford parts counter said that he has sold a truck load of these linkages and I've also heard from other owners that they are prone to breaking.

I realize that my truck is old, has been started a million times, and things wear out. I'm just disappointed that Ford designed this mechanism so poorly and that the repair is so complicated, time consuming, and costly from a labor standpoint if you have someone else fix it. What bothered me the most is that the new linkage was pop metal also and will break again in time...

Now that I got that off my chest... If anybody is unfortunate enough to have to do this, there are some things that I had to figure out myself that might save you some time and headache. Just let me know if I can help.

 

Been there done that, I feel your pain. I did that very thing in September. It would be nice to know ahead of time some of the tricks.

 

hi just wonder what the trick are mine has tilt wheel too got part need help thanks jj

 

Do a search. There was a super post here a few months ago giving a step by step how to.

 

If I had a new (or at least complete) one in my hand, I think I'd work up the old creativity juices and fabricate one from a coat hanger or welding rod. At least then, you'd know that you wouldn't see it break again.

Good Luck,


Dave

 

hi just finished doing mine tonight wasnt bad after figuring out that the tilt wheel had come apart . used screws to get pins out worked okay wont take so long if next time