ok i figured out my ignition porblem, in one of my other post i worte the i can get the truck started, and as soon as i put it into gear or barely touch the sttering wheel/column, my truck dies, i have finaly found the problem!!!!!!! ok here goes, i took the clolumn apart and looked at eberything, and found the rod going from the tumbler to the ignition switch, now, if i turn the key the rod goes towards the front of the truck, and when i let off, the key snaps back and the truck dies, but, if i turn the key, start it, and pinch the rod against the column, holding it into place, the truck stays running, and i can move the wheel, and put it into gear, but once i let go of the rod, unpinching it from the column, the key snaps back into the "off" position, so, in my mind, im thinking the connection on the tumbler to the ignition rod is stripped, hecne, the tumbler is starting the truck, going past the start position one the tumbler and once i let go of the key, passing the "on" position and clicking back into the "off" position, is there a way to adjust this, or do i need to go get another tumbler? or a new ignition switch? i need help on this asap, i have a date today at 7pm pst(sept 20) and need to get this thing going! ill be up early running around town, asking every auto parts store i know( wait, its 218 am, so ill be up in a few hours lol) i hope someone has some insight upon this matter, if not, ill be stuck driving the 6mpg beast with a bad tranny......gotta love my 390! ill try to get some pix up if this confuses you all! Dustin

p.s. sorry for the realy long post

 

that is what im refferring to as the "ignition rod"

 

wow lol, my hands look clean in that picture, i guess the camera cuts out 10 lbs of oil and dirt to, and not just weight....

 

I'm thinking that the problem is down on the bottom of the steering column where the ignition switching takes place in the wiring connection. My 88 had a problem and that is where it was fixed by replacing the connection.

 

ok, but that doesnt explain why the key clicks back into the "off" position...

 

is the main switch got a spring preload to it? I am not sure if the rod has the spring in it or the switch does.

 

The actual electrical function is in the switch that rod goes to, there is no electrical connection in the tumblers at all. If you take that switch loose by two little bolts that hold it, you will find the ley will turn with no resistance at all, and nothing at all will happen, it is all in the switch that is hiding under the dash held by 2 tiny little bolts. Yes, the ignition switch is sping loaded...there are little ***** that roll, pressurized by springs, that roll over bumps to control position. After some time, they begin to bind, and you get the problem you mention.

 

ok, so do i replace the switch, or the tumbler?

 

I would go switch myself, as there are no electrics in the tumblers in that year, and the spring is also in the switch...

 

And the detents to keep the switch in the proper location are also located in the switch. Replace the ignition switch.

The tumbler sounds like it is working correctly.

 

autozone 10.00 bucks willfix your problem ask for a ingition switch 2 5/16 bolts or might be 10mm and down the road ya go

 

got it guys thanks, although in my haste to get it all done, i broke the little wire thing that tells me what gear im in.........not like i needed it........did i mention i prefer manuel trannys?

 

yea i broke mine also just trying to getm into to big of a hurry