ignition switch replacement

[kontradictions]

need to replace the ignition switch on my 88 K5 and was wondering if anyone knew of any guides or had any pointers to make the install a tad bit easier for me to get done.

Also is there any way of doing this without removing the steering wheel?

 

[AKbigsub]

you have to drop the column to access the ignition switch which is located on top of the column (just above the brake pedal [sort of]). I just did this and it was a pain for my big hands.

 

[kontradictions]

pretty straight forward after you drop the column?

 

[abig85]

yeah pretty much, ive done two and this was a few years back when i just started getting into trucks, should be one electrical clip and then two bolts that hold it to the column....

one tip is make sure you bolt the thing back into the same spot where the old one came out of other wise the bar dont line up right and might not start




or are you talking about the actual part on the column where the key goes in? i tried doing one once and just ended up swaping out steering columns since i got a few laying around and yeah the steering wheel has to come off

 

[lectric80]

Are you talking the ignition switch or the key cylinder? These are two very different parts. The key cylinder requires the removal of the steering wheel, the ignition switch does not.

 

[kontradictions]

its the key cylinder, or i guess the ignition lock...there is a little instruction book with the lock and it says to pull the steering wheel, just wanted to come on here and see if it was needed.

ive pulled steering wheels without a puller before, but not on a chevy. Anyone get one off without a puller? Will a BFH do the trick?

 

[lectric80]

You can do it without a puller, but it is much easier with one. I have done it with a BFH before. Once the wheel is out then you can remove the turn signal cam and get to the screw that holds the lock cylinder in.

 

[kontradictions]

ok sounds good...gotta get this thing in tomorrow morning so my girl can drive her truck. The lock is totally stuck and wont turn anymore!

 

[dyeager535]

I've done it with a hammer before, but leave the steering wheel nut on, but flush with the top of the stud it's threaded on. Smack that while pulling on the steering wheel.

Probably a good way to screw up the internals, but it works too. Mess the nut or threads up though, and you'll have even more fun.