Hey guys, so some yahoo tried to steal my truck and broke the lock cylinder clean off, and twisted the steering wheel to the point where the steering lock broke. Thankfully they didnt get away with it, but now the tires dont turn at all and the steering whel just spins freely... not sure what i need to do to get it back right. would i be best to get a new column from the junk yard? or is it an easier fix than that? Its a 96 manual w/o tilt if that helps, Thanks

 

sounds like they broke the steering shaft itself. start by checking the rag joint near the steering box and work your way back to the steering wheel. you might be best off getting a replacement column from the salvage yard in the end. dont forget to get the key that goes with it. when the column on my old F250 died, i didnt and it was a royal pain in the backside getting apart so i could replace the ignition lock cylinder.

 

Thanks for the response Im kind of struggling with it, Ive never really done much with steering components over the years. plenty of engine and driveline work but... ive also heard that if i were to get another column that its best to pull it out yourself and make sure that it stays straight so it isnt turned at all. does that sound familiar?

 

also since it didnt come with tilt steering, will it matter if i get a column that has it or not?

 

nope wont matter. in fact tilt would be an easy upgrade if you want it.

 

you need a 94 to 96 column w/ airbag & clock spring (just did a column in my 95 w/ a 94 column). tilt doesn't matter if you don't have it & used does it's mechanical linkage in column. get entire column from under dash w/ mount, ignition, wheel & airbag items. it's a remove and replace fix.

 

Thank you, I appreciate it very much. Now off to find a column

 

I just pulled full column with key out of my 96 parts truck to list on ebay, if you're interested pm me and we can make a deal.