Steering Column Repair: 1977 c10 ignition problem, steering column repair, lock cylinder

Question
QUESTION: i cant seem to get the ignition right on my truck....i put it in and when i get the teeth good and right i can turn it over but when i kill it i can get the key to come out of the ignition what do i do and i cant get the ignition out of the column neither and its not tilt


removing a lock   ANSWER: Hi Greg:

In order to align the teeth properly on  non-til column, you need to remove the lock cylinder and align them visually.  to remove the lock cylinder, you will need to break through the casting to access the release bar on the lock cylinder.  The upper housing does not have an access hole form the factory, it's covered over by a thin layer of cast metal.  I am enclosing a picture to show you where you need to push through.  A flat bladed screwdriver will be fine.
Once you hit the correct spot the lock will pull out.  Then you can align the gears and replace it with a new one.

Good luck
Doug

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QUESTION: alright i understand how to get it out now.... thank u but how will i know when the teeth are mathed up correctly and why or the teeth on the ignition lock at an angle when the rod with teeth at the end go in stright


rack actuator pinion g   ANSWER: Greg:
The teeth are angled to align with the other gear position.  Both sets of teeth are set at an angle and will align properly when they are in place (don't worry about that).  As far as you knowing when it's matched up correctly, in the accessory position, you will see the large knob on the black gear (photo attached).  That aligns in one position only on the silver rack actuator rod and gear.  Once that is in place, you can inset the new lock.  It will only go one way also.
That should do it.

Doug


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QUESTION: ok got the ignition llock out and everything but after it turns over and i turn the key back it doesnt go back far enough to pull the key out whats goin on with that


Answer
Greg:
Remove the lock again and see if the lock itself is binding or if you have full rotation.  That could be a cause.  Then with the lock out, try and hit all the positions in the column using a flat bladed screwdriver as your key.  See if the mechanism is holding you up.  One or the other is the problem and it's difficult to do this type of diagnosis over the web.  It could also be the ignition switch itself (on the bottom) is damaged and not allowing the rods to move the full travel.  I don't think you have done any thing wrong as far as the gears go, but once gain, it's hard to tell from here

I hope this helps you.  It's about all I can offer
Doug