Along with my recently purchased 1994 F150, I also own a E350 14ft Box Truck which I bought new in 86 for my business which has now closed down. A few years back it was stolen and the column was stripped.

I have looked around, but couldn't find any forums for these trucks. I imagine it's very similar to the vehicles in this forum.

I have been starting it by sliding the rod above the column up and down.

I want to go to a junk yard and pull the parts needed to repair it myself.

What I need is a new ignition key/tumbler/actuator assemblly and the housing it mounts in. The housing is the hub just bellow the steering wheel where the keylock is mounted, along with the turn signal and hazard light mechanisms.

I tried a dry run of removing it yesterday, so I would know what tools to take to the junkyard. I pullled the steering wheel, and removed all the screws and freed up the wiring harness that goes to it, and got it loose and pulled off the shaft, but it seems attached to the rod that runs along the top of the column under the dash to the actual ignition switch.

My questions are, If anyone is familiar with this:

Can this part be pulled without going under the dash to disconnect the rod on the lower end ??

What is involved with detaching this actuator rod on the lower end ??

Thanks in advance to anyone that can help.

 

It is probably easier to just pull the entire column.

 

Ya Eric, the boneyard wants to charge me for a complete column too.
I have two problems which bother me with a complete column swap.

I have an inner ear problem and get deathly ill if I get under a dash too much, my brother is going to help me though.

The truck only has 21,000 original miles on it and my column is pristene tight and firm.

 

I think you can do the whole swap squatting beside the truck or reaching over the fender. You probably need a 12-point socket for the bottom of the shaft and just pull a few more bolts and connectors. Then swap parts at home if you want. Since you are wanting parts of the column and it is a "unit" they sell they will charge for the whole column.

I have a few physical problems also... Makes it hell to work on a vehicle or anything else.

 

Thanks Eric, I guess that's what I'm going to do.

I wonder if I get the steering wheel in the deal, LOL, cause that nut is tight sometimes, had to use impact on mine yesterday. Too bad boneyards aren't like the old drive-ins with speaker jacks at each parking place, with air ports instead.

I'll make sure to take a piece of pipe to extend my socket handle.

 

most bone yards sell the column as a whole unit
including the steering wheel
you will find that most pick and pull yards will have the wheels already pulled
if it is still there then normally there is no differance in prices
just take the whole thing and get the parts off once your at home
also there are differances between the truck and van units so it is best to stay with the van columns if you can find it

 

Just so you know..there is a Large vans Forum that encompasses the E-series.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/forum128/

 

Thanks mhg.

Thanks Mil1ion, I keep forgetting this truck is considered a van.

 

The sliding rod activates the ignition switch at the bottom of the column...this is where it connects. The rod is used 1983/91 all Econolines = E0TZ-11A599-A

The flange is the same from 1981/91 = E4UZ-3511-A

The cylinder and keys are used 1985/91 = E5TZ-11582-A Cylinder/Keys (Motorcraft SW-2061)

Below the cylinder in the neck of the flange are three parts..they fit all columns from 1975/91

#1-D0AZ-3C610-B .. Ignition Key Lock Retainer

#2-D6AZ-3E700-A .. Steering Column Lock Bearing

#3=D4AZ-3E717-A .. Steering Column Lock

The actuator fits 1975/91 all Econolines: D4AZ-3E723-A

 

WOW

Thanks NumberDummy