87 ranger - key wont go all the way in ignition after trans pulled.

[zachis4wheeling]

Well considering other work I have done on vehicles, this makes me feel like an idiot to have to ask.....I'm usually pretty good at figuring things out, but this has got me stumped.....and I know it's probably something ridiculously simple. Here goes.

I am in the middle of swapping a clutch into my 87 Ranger 4x4. It has the 2.9 v6. I had the truck up on my flatbed trailer and pulled the transmission, tcase, clutch assembly and everything. Then, before I could get the new parts in, I needed the trailer for something else, so I rolled the pickup off of the trailer into the yard.

Well today I got the garage all cleaned out and a spot cleared away to start working on the truck again. I go to move the truck, (which is sitting in the yard, with no transmission / clutch assembly in it)....and now out of the blue, about a month later since I've worked on the truck, the key won't slide all the way into the lock cylinder on the steering column in order to unlock the steering wheel. So effectively, I am stuck until I can figure out how to get this to unlock, as I cannot turn the wheel right now.

Do the electronics on the truck, lock out the lock cylinder when the transmission is removed or something? This is all I can think. The truck didn't do any of this before I pulled the transmission.

Any help would be appreciated as I am stuck until I can get this figured out.

Zach

 

[JoshT]

No, hell no vehicle that I know of has electronics that prevent the key from being inserted when the transmission is removed. Even if such a thing did exist you wouldn't find it on an 87 Ranger. There's also nothing about the transmission that would affect the lock cylinder. Have you tried turning the wheel as you inserted the key? It shouldn't affect inserting the key, but it's worth a shot. I know turning the wheel can help if the steering column is locked preventing the key from turning. I think it's most likely that you lock cylinder has gotten a little sticky and needs to be freed up. They make lubes specially for locks, but can't tell you what to use on an ignition switch.

Let us know what you figure out.

 

[Rangurr]

I had a similar problem with an '84 Fiero (yes...I know it's not a Ranger) though it had nothing to do with the transmission - but then again, neither does your problem. JoshT is right, there is no electrical block on the tumbler. It is purely mechanical. When we pulled the cylinder out of the Fiero, we found that a couple of small parts had come loose. If this is the case with yours, it's a quick and easy fix that shouldn't cost more than $15.00. Good luck.

 

[zachis4wheeling]

Been a while since I posted up as to the resolution to this.....buut....

All I ended up having to do was go to Pep Boys, and spend $15 and pick up a new lock cylinder like the guys had mentioned. New keys and about 15 minutes of fiddily ****in around with putting it in and I was able to free up the wheel. I ended up disabling the little button you have to press to release the key as well. That thing always kind of irritated me.

Thanks for the help.

 

[adsm08]

Until I saw the date of the original post I was going to reply suggesting that you reinstall the clutch, trans, etc to find out if that would fix your issue.