The previous owner of my 82 pickup swapped in a tilt steering column and now that I am building a custom aluminum dash I want to get rid of the big ugly hinge/ujoint apparatus on the column. So I put the old column he gave me back in. I seem to remember one of the 2 keys Ihave working on the old column but now that I have it in I cant get the column to unlock or the key to turn. Ive decided I will just put the tilt column ignition on the old column but I can't figure out how to get it off the column. I removed the 3 bolts holding it on as well as a snap ring. The only thing left I can think of is the ignition bearings were pressed onto the shaft or something.

Anybody know how I can get it off or have any other ideas? Thanks.

I may be wrong. But on my 1985 when I swapped it to tilt I had to unlock the ignition to remove the column upper bracket. When the steering is locked it stops it from coming apart because the bolt that locks it stops ot from pulling off. There is also a snap ring that must be removed too.

Unfortunately the column upper from the tilt and non-tilt may not be interchangable on the 1982 too. On the 1985 the bearing on the tilt one is bigger and won't fit. Check the parts numbers and size to verify.

Thats a good point about the bearing size. Not to mention I wont be able to take the 82 upper column off without the key. I might just take the 82 column to a locksmith and have them cut me a new key for it.

I once lost my key and boy was that a PITA. On the 1985 without the key you can't remove the lock cylinder also. There is a metal post that holds the lock cylinder into the column upper bracket. When you turn the key to a certain spot the post will drop and it will slide out. I had to drill down this post to get it out. You might try this if it's the same. Then you can put a new lock cylinder from the auto parts store in it. Then again the locksmith might be cheaper and easier.

I had to move a Yota awhile back without the key; took my cylinder off another truck of mine, depressed the release pin and worked it off with a small screwdriver. Took about 20 minutes; hauled it off after slapping in the other cylinder. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/nana.gif" alt="" />
Jerk thought he was going to get some rent out of me after I voluntarily gave him $$ for the electricity I was using in his shop.

Anyway, guess I might've got lucky, but it can be done without a key.

That'll teach folks to mess with a Yota man in the know! Knowing this is why I put a GTR grant removeable steering wheel on mine and a hidden ignition kill switch. With the proper amount of brute force and tools that lock cylinder is easy to remove. I had mine stolen before also and had to buy a another upper bracket and the plastic after they were done with it. I now hope the steering wheel missing will be deterant enough for the thief to move on.