Rad Dog

I'm still having trouble.
I have the wheel off and I tried pressing in the pin and installing it the way it says.
The key turns and comes out but the column doesn't unlock and there is no "spring" when you turn it to the start position, it just stays there.
I can't see any other pins to push.

Do I need to look at another part? the actuator moves when i turn the key and the axillary power turns on and off. just no start and no unlocking of the shifter or wheel.

Marc D

Try finding the blow up of the lower end of the column. The highlighted view of the actuator indicates the spring is at the bottom with the ignition switch. Look for the rod and see if it has the gear stripped. If it does it won't push the ignition switch. Also LMC Truck.com, has some great pics that might show the switch and spring assembly on the bottom of the column. They specialize in these kinds of small parts. If you get stuck PM me and I'll look for you too.

Marc D

Up at 3:00AM thinking about your truck. "Ding" the neutral safety switch is not functioning. It keeps the truck from starting unless it's in park or neutral. Also if you have the steering wheel (steering column) in a bind from working with the key and wheel, the shifter will not move even with your foot on the brake pedal. Jack up the whole front end and allow the wheels to relax then set it down and try the shift lever.

Rad Dog

thanks MarcD and everyone for your help, i haven't been ignoring the thread, I am really busy with work and stuff, have to go to a class now but I'll be working on it again tomorrow night. I was wondering if having the wheel off mattered but I was afraid to put it on because I already returned the puller that I used. Lol.
I will definitely try everything you mentioned and post the results1

Rad Dog

I just jacked up the front end till the tires were off the ground, tried the shifter-nothing,
lowered it back down-nothing.
When I turn the key to the start position it just stops, it doesn't spring back like when it's working normally, is the spring that does that in the tumbler or in the column, I'm wondering if I damaged the new tumbler or if I have another problem to address.
Again, the tumbler broke because I was forcing it with a pliers to get the truck to start, also I just tried it with the wheel still off, is it necessary to re-attach the wheel before it can shift out of park?

Rad Dog

I meant the original tumbler, I havent tried forcing the new one.

Marc D

The spring and rod are a part of the column. If you look at the diagram you posted, the picture of the ignition rod in the circle is very confusing. It is actually at the bottom of the column. I'm not very good with posting pics but I'll see if I can post a link that shows a better overall column.This one piece is easily broken and provides the contact for the ignition, neutral safety switch and the spring back of the key. The key tumbler could actually be completely removed and the truck started with a flat screwdriver

Rad Dog

So you are saying that you think the actuator rod is broken? because I tried turning it with a flat screwdriver and the column wont unlock and the truck won't start,
are you saying I should replace the actuator rod? or the neutral safety switch? What should my next step be?

RLXXI

Replace the column.


.

Marc D

As with any repair on a truck only you can decide when to stop and suck it up lay out some cash. I've always gone past the point of time v.s. money because I enjoy the challenge and a successful outcome when everyone else has thrown in the towel. If you want to keep working on this repair I'll be happy to help. If not, I understand.
I did a quick search online for a used complete steering column for your truck and found one @ roughly $250 + shipping. Your local wrecking yard/Pull-a-Part could be more or less. Again feel free to send me a PM. Marc