Steering Column Repair: steering wheel shifter stuck, ford steering column, ford f 150

Question
QUESTION: my truck is a 1987 ford F-150 and i went to the parts house to buy parts for my truck and it started and shifted ok when i got there i got my parts and went to leave and it would not start.  i have a push button on my truck had for a few years now.  the problem is when you turn the key to the on position it gets sloppy and no dash lights and when you turn the key to the start position there is no spring action but lights come one and i can start my truck with the push button but i can not shift my truck. it wont move what so ever. i have changed to neutral safety switch and the switch that lays on top of the steering column but nothing has worked. so for right now i have disconnected my linkage and drilled a hole in the floor and hooked up a rod to the Trans so that i can drive around right now. what can i do to fix this so i can quit walking to work.

thank you for you time and patience
Matthew

ANSWER: Hi Matt:
Sorry about your truck.  You have broken the ignition actuator.  A very common problem with your design vehicle.
We have recently uploaded pages and a description of how to rebuild the upper portion of a Ford steering column.  They are broken down into step by step detailed instructions on our website. Although the example is for a 1991 Ford Truck, the column is identical to yours http://www.stolenandrecovered.com/howto/rack04.php

I hope these instructions help you.  If not, please contact me again for more information.
Lastly, if you need parts to repair this column simply follow the links and order whatever you need online (or email us on our "Contact Us / Order Parts" page and we will get back in touch with you personally).

Good luck

Doug

http://www.stolenandrecovered.com


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: is there any other parts that i need to replace while i am there i dont want to have to take it apart again this is my first time and or do you know of any company that is in the dallas fortworth area that i could have come and fix it or rebuild it for me. my zip code is 76040 in texas

Answer
Hi Matt:

If the turn signal switch still works fine, then that should be the only part you need to replace.  If the turn signal switch doesn't cancel anymore, then now would be the time to replace that as well.  
I'm sorry but we don;t know of anyone in other states.

Doug