The key in my truck is getting harder and harder to turn. This morning I had to use big pliers to turn the switch to start the truck, and then it stuck in the start position until I turned it back a bit. Clearly I need to replace the lock cylinder.
Is there an easy way to get the old one out without removing the steering wheel? I mean, I can do it, but it is a hassle I would rather avoid.
This is an 87 F150 with tilt column.

Thanks!

 

Try looking by the emergency flashers for a whole in the column going towards the ignition cylinder. IF there is a whole then put a small pick or something else solid in there and push it in while the key is in the ON position and then just pull the cylinder out. You may have to rock the key back and forth while pushing in on the pin and pulling on the cylinder to get it to work.

This is one of fords best Ideas. There is a spring loaded pin near the back of the cylinder that holds it in the column. This pin can only be pushed in when the key is in the ON position, and once it is pushed it stays that way until you turn the key to any other position. So once you get the old one out, put the new one in the ON position and push the pin, then slide the cylinder into position and just turn the key.

I have a question about your problem though. Does the ignition tighten up in any position or just as you are going into start?
If you replace the cylinder and it does not help, then try tearing apart the column to get to what I believe they call the "ignition linkage." On my truck the ignition kept getting stiff just as I would go into START, and sometimes I would have to use both hands. If you drop your column a little, and feel on top of it, you would feel a rod going from inside the coulumn to the ignition switch. Thas rod is a 2 piece, it's other piece is in the column and it serves 2 purpuses. 1 is to keep the linkage from twisting to it will move properly, and the other pupose is to lock the Automatic shifter in place when the key is OFF.

If your column is anything like what is in the my 1990, or the 1989 truck that I got this part from, then this linkage may need some lube. And to do that you have to tear the column completely apart.

Good Luck