Key Lock Cylinder?
I am wondering if I need to take the steering wheel off?
Also, what about the airbag?
I also read in some posts with same problem that it might be the "acuator rod"?
My haynes dont say anything bout the airbag, or an acuator.
Help?
If the rod breaks it may be able to push the switch on but will not retract to the off position.
um im really not sure how to remove the lock cylinder but some one else here is bout to have done it with ur model truck.... mine is an 88 and has a different column
srry cant be any more help
There is a thumbnail so you can see the components at the top of the column.
With Key
1. Disconnect the battery ground.
2. On tilt columns, remove the upper extension shroud by unsnapping the shroud from the retaining clip at the 9 o'clock position.
3. Remove the trim shroud halves.
4. Unplug the wire connector at the key warning switch.
5. Place the shift lever in PARK and turn the key to ON .
6. Place a 1 / 8 in. (3mm) wire pin in the hole in the casting surrounding the lock cylinder and depress the retaining pin while pulling out on the cylinder.
7. When installing the cylinder, turn the lock cylinder to the RUN position and depress the retaining pin, then insert the lock cylinder into its housing in the flange casting. Assure that the cylinder is fully seated and aligned in the interlocking washer before turning the key to the OFF position. This will allow the cylinder retaining pin to extend into the cylinder cast housing hole.
8. The remainder of installation is the reverse of removal.
Non-Functioning Cylinder or No Key Available
FIXED COLUMNS
1. Disconnect the battery ground.
2. Remove the steering wheel.
3. Remove the turn signal lever.
4. Remove the column trim shrouds.
5. Unbolt the steering column and lower it carefully.
6. Remove the ignition switch and warning buzzer and pin the switch in the LOCK position.
7. Remove the turn signal switch.
8. Remove the snapring and T-bolt nuts that retain the flange casting to the column outer tube.
9. Remove the flange casting, upper shaft bearing, lock cylinder, ignition switch actuator and the actuator rod by pulling the entire assembly over the end of the steering column shaft.
10. Remove the lock actuator insert, the T-bolts and the automatic transmission indicator insert, or, with manual transmissions, the key release lever.
11. Upon reassembly, the following parts must be replaced with new parts:
Flange
Lock cylinder assembly
Steering column lock gear
Steering column lock bearing
Steering column upper bearing retainer
Lock actuator assembly

12. Assembly is a reversal of the disassembly procedure. It is best to install a new upper bearing. Check that the truck starts only in PARK and NEUTRAL.
Evidently the forum software won't let me cut and paste the quoted post..
I seen some other posts about it being the actuator rod, but orielly never heard of that.
The manual doesnt show how to replace it, and, now im getting worried.
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It is pot metal and can break, especially if you have a tilt column.
I'm not there to diagnose your truck, but just suggesting that it may be the problem.
YMMV
Try using the advanced search function. "ignition actuator rod" in the '87-'96 forum only.
You will find all the threads illustrating this.
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