Tau511

I have a tilt steering column out of I think a 79 W150 - so I think it's a saginaw unit.

PO converted my truck to a floor shift (auto).

Months ago I noticed the sleeve where the original column shifter was mounted was spinning around. It kept me from pulling the key or turning the key to the run/start position like it should but all I had to do was rotate it to the correct position and truck would fire right up.

Yesterday I parked the truck on a heavy incline and was loading asphalt in the back, a moderate load. Truck rolled back a little. When I went to start it I had a lot of trouble with the key but it eventually fired up. Moved the truck to unload. 30 minutes later the key was just not cooperating. Wheel turns fine, I can position the column shifter sleeve to remove key, but the lockout that prevents it from going into the run/start position won't free up.

I'm assuming I broke something. I'm good at that. Trouble is, I don't know what I'm looking for. Is it possible for me to pull the column apart and remove that lock out so that I can use the key again and get the truck running? Can anyone explain how that mechanism works, what the fix might be, and or point me toward a diagram?

RacerHog

Not to hard of a job for a mechanic.... I would suggest replacing the ignition switch and the key lock cylinder w/ key. And just remove the lock plate pin at that time if you need to.
Cheers