Actually what I need to remove is the key/tumbler assembly from the steering collumn. I have a 1988 F-450 which has the standard F series cab so this should be the same for all 1988's from F-150 onward. I have the tilt-wheel type of column and the actual ignition switch is bolted to the outside of the column and is actuated by a linkage rod to the ignition key mechanism.

I have removed the steering wheel but can't see what the trick is to get the tumbler out of the column. Can anyone help? Thanks.

Randy

 

I just did this half an hour ago. Look underneath the lock cylinder under where the key bumps out. You'll see a hole. Take a punch that fits inside that hole and push up into the lock while turning the key over in the cylinder. Also pull out on the key at the same time. The cyl will slide right out if you've pushed the pin up far enough to clear the column. If you don't have the ky, you're going to have to do something else.

 

What he said. Ignition lock cylinder needs to be in "off" or "run" positions (don't remember which of the two) foe you to be able to push the latching pin in, so turn the key first and then push on the pin, else you may break something.

 

run position.

 

Hey, you guys are awesome! Five minutes and bidda-bang the tumbler was out. Many thanks!

Now for the not so good news. I was hoping to find a really worn linkage from the tumbler assembly to the rod-end which actuates the ignition switch further down the column. Not so. Everything looks tight when I look into the vacated tumbler hole. Yet I have a huge amount of "slop" in the ignition switch actuating rod. So much that I can manually pull the rod back and forth at least 1/2" which means that the switch is impossible to adjust. Anyone have this problem before? Suggestions?

 

Maybe your rod actuator broke? It is a very common issue for these trucks, in my opinion Ford should have never designed the columns like they did, but should have instead either kept the dashboard-mounted switch like the 70s trucks have, or adapted a fullsize passenger car column as those have both nicer tilts and essentially no parts that break in them. I believe the broken actuator is only available thought a dealership.

 

lower ignition actuator.
$13 ford the ford dealer.

 

The actuator is available aftermarket from most places.
You will need to pull the steering wheel, the turn signal plate and then the column shroud to get access to it.
Good luck with it.