Steering Column problems

I will try and make this short....

Problem One:

My ignition key would not go into the lock position, hoping it was the key cylinder, I took apart the column to remove the cylinder…..got there, replaced, but didn’t solve the problem. So I dropped the column and attempted to replace the ignition switch,

I say attempted because the long rod that fits into the switch is pointing due north, with the rod in this position, this makes it very difficult to bolt the switch back onto the column….and puts a tremendous bind on the rod……Should the rod be facing straight up? If not, then is the problem behind the cylinder? I have seen this part on online catalogs, but it’s not in my assembly manual.

Problem Two:

I decided just to put the column back together, leaving the ignition switch hanging below the dash and take it to a local shop to deal with. After attaching the turn signal switch and placing the horn contact and lock plate on, the next step is to install the lock plate retaining ring…… Here is problem #2, the upper shaft just slides in and out of the yoke.

How does this shaft lock in? When I disassembled the column, this shaft just slid out.
Another thing I noticed is on the upper end of the shaft, just below the threads, there was a 1” piece of rubber hose around it, which looks to me like it was “home grown”

Is my best option here to get a used or rebuilt column, or take it all to a local shop?

So much for making this short…..

Thanks,
Rick

The ignition switch has an opening in it for the rod to go up into. The switch is usually shipped in the off position, but it may have been moved. Insert the rod into the switch, then turn the key to line up the switch on the column to install the retaining screws.

The shaft sliding is held by a snap ring on top of the lock plate. It uses a tool to lift the shaft, and push down on the lock plate, then the clip can be installed. If the wheel is telescoping, you must lock the telescope to do this.

Ken Styer