Dealing with the tilt column and ign switch actuator... 1988 bronco 1

[ShadetreeSeattle]

Ok, so. replaced this steering column once already, the guts in this one are falling apart again, specifically the ignition switch actuator parts. I have to tilt the steering column down to start the truck, the parts bind up otherwise. it's not long for this planet. Do i just try to find a non-tilt column? do they bolt up? i feel like all the compatible columns are tilt. any hacks to put non-tilt parts in it? part of me wants to abandon the original ford ign switch, pull out the steering wheel lock mechanism and build an aftermarket dash mount solution. I have seen rebuilt columns online for a heafty pricetag. any ideas? i'd like to keep it sort of stock, but i'm not above coming up with an... alternative solution. haha.

i saw Miesk5's post about the steering column stuff, but wondering if any creative ideas have came to anyone's mind since then. thanks all!

 

[Tiha]

Have not heard of any "upgrades" being done.

Fixing the tilt column is a little frustrating and time consuming but doable and worth it.

they used to have all the parts in the help section at the parts store. Not sure if that is the case or not.

The actuator lever. I think we did one where we were out of time and broke off the steering wheel lock portion so we could slip it in without having to take that next collar off the column.
granted that is not ideal but it made the job quick and easy.

 

[miesk5]

Yo Shade,
For now, see Replacement in an 89; "...Set the parking brake. Disconnect the battery ground cable. Unbolt the intermediate shaft from the steering column. Disconnect the shift linkage rod(s) from the column. Remove the steering wheel. If you have a tilt column, the steering wheel MUST be in the full UP position when it is removed. Remove the floor cover screws at the base of the column. Remove the steering column shroud by placing the bottom ***** in the No.1 position and pulling the shroud up and away from the column. On automatics, remove the shift indicator cable. Remove the instrument panel column opening cover. Remove the bolts securing the column support bracket to the pedal support bracket. Disconnect the turn signal/hazard warning harness and the ignition switch harness. Lift the column from the truck. Remove the column support bracket To install: Install the column support bracket making sure that the wiring is outboard of the column. Tighten the nuts to 35 ft. lbs. (47 Nm). Start the floor cover clamp bolt and press the plate until the clamp flats touch the stops on the column outer tube. Install the column through the floor opening. Connect the turn signal/hazard warning and ignition harnesses. Raise the column and install the 2 support bolts. Tighten the floor cover bolts to 10 ft. lbs. (13 Nm). Tighten the support bracket bolts to 25 ft. lbs. (34 Nm). Tighten the cover plate clamp bolt to 18 ft. lbs. (24 Nm). Install and adjust the shift indicator cable, on automatics. Install the instrument panel column opening cover. Install the column shroud. Tighten the shroud bottom ***** to 15 inch lbs. (1.7 Nm). Connect the shifter rod(s). Connect the intermediate shaft. Tighten the bolt to 50 ft. lbs. (68 Nm)..."
Source: by Chilton

"Steering Column​

Parts Break-Out Diagram, Partial in 80-91 Tilt; part of TSB 95-23-12 Non-Tilt Key Hard to Turn in Cold Source: by Steve83 ​

80-91 Tilt Column Exploded

Replacing the actuators is a PITA, even though the parts are cheap & easy-to-find at parts stores for ~$20ea. Call your local used car lots & independent repair shops for the number of a local steering column specialist. If he'll rebuild the column for less than $300, pay him.
Upper Ignition Actuator Ford D1AZ3E723C
Lower Ignition Actuator Ford E9TZ3E715B, Dorman HELP 83280

See also:
. . .
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

TSB 95-23-12 Non-Tilt Key Hard to Turn in Cold

Publication Date: NOVEMBER 20, 1995

LIGHT TRUCK: 1988-91 BRONCO, ECONOLINE, F SUPER DUTY, F-150-350 SERIES
MEDIUM/HEAVY TRUCK: 1988-95 F & B SERIES

ISSUE: The ignition key may be hard to turn in cold temperatures on trucks equipped with fixed (non-tilt) steering columns. This occurs because the column lock actuator may not be properly lubricated.

ACTION: Lubricate the column lock actuator with silicone lubricant. Refer to the following procedures for service details.

REMOVAL
1. Disconnect the battery ground cable.
2. Remove the steering wheel. Refer to the appropriate model year Bronco, Econoline, F-Series Service Manual, Section 13-06 for 1988-90 models and Section 11-04A for 1991 models. Refer to the 1991 F-FT-B 600, 700, 800 Service Manual, Section 13-06 and Section 11-04A for 1992-95 F & B Series vehicles.
3. Remove the two (2) bolts attaching the steering column support brackets to the pedal support bracket.
4. Mark the location of the ignition switch and remove it.
5. Remove the turn signal lever and turn signal switch.
6. Remove the lock cylinder.
7. Remove and throw away the snap ring from the upper steering shaft.
8. Using a light hammer, gently tap the steering shaft until the upper bearing is loose. Remove the upper bearing.
9. Loosen the upper ****** retention nuts until one or two threads remain engaged.
a. Pinch the nuts toward the shaft.
b. Remove the upper ****** from the outer tube.
10. Remove the column lock actuator.

INSTALLATION
1. Clean the grease from the column lock actuator and upper ****** using parts cleaner (F3AZ-19579-SA) or equivalent.
2. Apply silicone lubricant (COAZ-19553-AA) or equivalent to the column lock actuator and upper ****** where the actuator slides.
3. Install the column lock actuator into the upper ******.
4. Install the upper ****** onto the outer ******.
5. Install the steering wheel onto the steering shaft and hand tighten the steering wheel nut.
6. Pull up on the steering wheel until the steering column expands about 10mm (0.375").
7. Remove the steering wheel.
8. Press the upper bearing onto the steering shaft.
9. Install a new snap ring (DOAZ-3C610-B) on the steering shaft.
10. Using a small hammer, gently tap the steering shaft until the upper bearing is seated into the upper ******.
11. Install the lock cylinder.
12. Install the turn signal switch and turn signal lever.
13. Install the ignition switch.
14. Install the two (2) bolts attaching the steering wheel bracket to the pedal bracket.
15. Install the steering wheel.
16. Connect the battery ground cable.

​ '80-86 Truck Steering Columns ('87-91 similar) The steering wheel, the bracket/tray 3676, and the intermediate shaft & rag joint (3B676) are the differences for '87-91. For '92-up columns, see this: For tilt ignition actuators, see:

 

[paul rondelli]

I replaced the one on my 1996 (none tilt) with a remanufactured one I found on eBay.

Easy pull and replace.

I have a tilt one on my 1993 that also needs to be replaced. I'm interested in what you find out.

Just another reason why I love my 1996 XL so much more than my 1993 XLT.

You can keep the auto locking hubs, push button 4x4, electric window motors/ and doors, and the dam tilt steering.

NONE OF THAT CRAP ADDS ANY VALUE TO ME.

It is actually just another repair that the 1993 needs that the 1996 does not.

Give me a 302 with a stick shift/ manual hubs/ and manual t-case ..... any day of the week.

 

[miesk5]

Yo Paul,
We purchased our 96 new with manual hubs/ and manual t-case.
My much-better-half and myself wanted the Mazda M50D; however there weren't any 96s available with it left because there were any new 96s left on dealer lots.