CJ steering column wooOs!

[Jeremy]

My 1981 CJ8 has let me sit AGAIN,  last month I ended up towing it home because the ignition key would not unlock the column.  After it was home I had a new key cut from a lock smith, this worked flawlessly until last last night the Fing thing would not unlock again.  I just spent the better part of three hours disassembling  the steering column until I got the stupid lock plate off so the steering at least turned free enough to tow it home again (steering was locked to the right)   Once home I have continued to disassemble the column in hopes that I can just replace the lock cylinder.  BUT I CAN'T get the &()&(^%*&90 off.  I am 5 minuts from hacking it off with a sawzall unless any of you have any ideas.   At this point I may need a 1981 or so CJ steer column.  HELP before I do something stupid with power tools and a torch.   

[Rick_Bear]

Jeremy, I was just down a similar road.....Don't start cutting yet. Once you have the lock plate off you need to remove the turn signal assembly (just a couple screws) and you'll see the cylinder. There are two larger screws over the cylinder, the one to the left locks the cylinder in place....remove it and the cylinder will slide right out. Feel free to call 717-309-0513 I leave for work at 12:30 PM

This link should help you out: http://www.epiccomputer.com/dale/jeepjunk/tilt/tilt.html

[Jeremy]

All of the screws are out!  and the (&(&( thing will not come out,  totally frustrated with it and taking another break before I break more stuff.

[hillbilly]

where are you located? maybe theres a member close can give you a second look.

[Rick_Bear]

Jeremy,

Is your column the one with the torque screw that locks the cylinder in place? or the one with the small metal clip style contact?
There are two styles. The one with the small metal contact is a PITA.....You need those very small screwdrivers used on eye glasses, at least I did.

Don't bitch it up, you'll be quite mad at yourself later if you do. It's hard to find a decent column for under $300....New = $600+

[Jeremy]

http://www.cj-8.com/forum/showthread.php?t=23759  The factory service manual stated that you NEEDED the keys to get the cylinder out.  In my case I needed to abuse some screw drivers, knock a hole in the clomn housing and whump on it with a 5.lbs hammer,  it was not pretty. 

That thread helped a lot BUT, my column was slightly different than the walk through,  I got the cylinder out,  but I am not declaring victory until it  is back together again.