converting to a single key (ignition and doors)

[Sandspider]

I did some searching but did not find what seemed to be accurate. I am intersted in changing out my door lock cylinders so that my ignition key will work them. In short, i want one key to work it all.

a couple of threads said get door lock cyliders from a 90+ ranger.... my 92 has two keys. I suppose the doors or locks could have been switched already but i wouldn't know.

Question 1) what year did Ford go to a one-key system

Question 2) what do I pillage to get the one-key parts I want

 

[srteach]

IF the ignition key fits in all three key ways (slots) without problems or binding, take the door locks out of the door. Then take them to a locksmith to re-key them to the ignition lock. That is the easiest way.

If the ignition key doesn't fit in the door lock slot, my 96 had a single key for all three locks. I don't know if that happened earlier, though it probably did.

 

[Twisted_Steel]

My Ranger uses seperate keys for the door and the ignition. My Explorer uses the same key for both. They are both 1991 models... go figure.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

IF the ignition key fits in all three key ways (slots) without problems or binding, take the door locks out of the door. Then take them to a locksmith to re-key them to the ignition lock. That is the easiest way.

If the ignition key doesn't fit in the door lock slot, my 96 had a single key for all three locks. I don't know if that happened earlier, though it probably did.

My '85 has two very different key profiles. When looked at from the pointy end, one zig-zags the opposite way from the other.

One of these days I am going to try and see if I can get a newer door lock cylinder to work.

 

[gribly]

My Ranger uses seperate keys for the door and the ignition. My Explorer uses the same key for both. They are both 1991 models... go figure.

My 1991 Navajo uses two keys...

 

[AllanD]

Ford went "one key" on Rangers in 1993.

I don't believe the 1993 cylinders will directly fit your gen2.

I have here on my Desk a pair of door cylinders from a 1994 Mazda B4000
that I'm looking at as possibilities for my 1987.

The thing is the way the "arm" attaches to the cylinder is different and it's going to involve some delicate with a moto-tool or jewlers file to make the early arm fit the late cylinder.

(I'm also annoyed to have two keys)

AD

 

[feellnfroggy]

Ford went "one key" on Rangers in 1993.

I don't believe the 1993 cylinders will directly fit your gen2.

I have here on my Desk a pair of door cylinders from a 1994 Mazda B4000
that I'm looking at as possibilities for my 1987.

The thing is the way the "arm" attaches to the cylinder is different and it's going to involve some delicate with a moto-tool or jewlers file to make the early arm fit the late cylinder.

(I'm also annoyed to have two keys)

AD

Allan, I have a 93 and I have two different keys for my ign and locks. Funny thing is both are square but the tetris shapes are opposite of each other the wya they are supposed to be.


Whatever year you find wiht a one key system you will need hte ignition, keys and door lock cylinders, but it must be a vehicle without the PATS system I believe. As far as retumbling the lock, Its also easy, you can take apart the cylinder, lay out the tumblers on your kitchen table, match them up to the key and springs. and reinsert them matched, BUt you will need 4 or 5 locks from JY to make sure you have enough of the right sized tumblers, They look like little zippo flints if i remember correctly.

 

[Sandspider]

Dam that is not the feedback I expected. Soooooo, this is another example of inconsistency in maufacturing.

For those not familiar, the older trucks typically came with one square headed key (ignition) and one round (door and glove box). The real difference being the profile is a mirror image of the other as mentioned above.

The only real benefit is...... one key instead of two.

I am in process of un-f'ing lots of tid bits on my truck and I don't use the locks right now since they are jacked. I had a topless jeep before this truck so it's no biggie but there are places it would be nice to lock up.

I'll cut the f'n piece of the door out of a newer truck and weld it in if i have to. hoping they just swap back and forth though.