So I have a replacement steering column for my truck and need to swap out lock cylinders. My question is; since there is NO key, is there any way to avoid drilling out retaining pin. If I did drill it out am I entirley screwd'? Any ideas or sugestions?

 

I haven't tried a ignition switch befor but you might try to pick it. ??? I would sure try that first befor destroying my column.

 

You might find a wrecker driver or automotive locksmith with a set of "tryout" or "jiggler" keys for Ford 8-pin.

Pop

 

Drive your truck and bring the new steering column to the nearest large town police department. See if one of them will tell you or volunteer to do it while you're not looking. Those guys probably see enough cylinders busted by thieves they can tell you how to do it for cheap.

 

Get the VIN number from the part truck you got the column from and the dealer should be able to cut a key for it.

 

I did geab the V.I.N. when I pulled the column. I did'nt know that the stearlership would do that without out valid proof of ownership i.e. vehicle registration or proof of insurance.

BTW LMAO Chris, your probablly right though LOL

Guess I will call Ford and see if they will cut a key bt V.I.N. I'll let you guys know how that goes.
Thanks Dan

Called Ford dealer; they said they only keep V.I.N. record (for keys) 10 years back. the truck is an 03/2000 and no key cut by vin. Re cylinder and keying would cost $180.00

 

That is ridiculous. I had keys made for a 1989 RX7 and an 1986 RX7 at the Mazda dealer and I had a key made for an 86 CRX at the Honda dealer once. That seems ridiculous that Ford only "keeps records for 10 years". VINs don't change so once a record, always a record. Stupid.

 

Here is what Ford says to do

I hope you can read it well enough. I don't really know why it says to remove the wheel. I've done it before with it on.

 

Thanks Takotruckin, I ended up drilling out the tumblers, removed old cylinder and No damage to my column, ready to install my ignition

 

Thanks for closing this out with results!

Pop

 

Welcome Pops,
I figure the next guy in this situation can always refer to this thread and see what option worked best for me. After all isn't that why we are all really here, to help one another.
Dan

 

Thanks for the information and close-out. This will help me tomorrow when I replace the cylinder.

 

What Is the Purple and Black Wire in Photo 1, I removed my key cylinder and found that the black plastic was broke and a flat piece was laying in the cylinder well. My Stater is engaging off and on while my truck is running and my truck will start when turning the key cylinder to the run position without turning all the way to the start position and releasing

 

Thanks Dan as well. Since most of us are reaching the 10 year statute of limitations with our trucks, this is good to know.

 

i followed the insructions to the t, used an 1/8" drill bit to drill up the access hole and a 3/8 bit thru the center of the key slot, at first about 1 3/4" then almost 2", i can see a screw driver when i slide it up the access hole inside the cylinder, the cylinder won't move to the run position, even using vise grips to apply force,the switch won't slide out,WHAT CAN I DO, thanks to any one, dick b