Eliminate steering wheel lock on manual column?

[kipps]

Is this possible? I've got a '87 manual tranny truck.

I'd like to eliminate the steering wheel lock, so I can turn the key directly to off, pull the key, and still continue to steer.

A strange request, I know, but I thought someone might know if it's a pretty easy modification or not.

[SunSoaked]

Yep, I just did exactly that on my 85. You need to partially disassemble the column. There's a small metal clip held in place by a single screw that needs removed. It interacts with the release lever. Fairly easy.

[SunSoaked]

On second thought, I may have spoken too soon. I was thinking the lever that releases the key once the wheel is locked. In that case there's a spring loaded pin that engages a round plate with holes in it. You'd have to disable that mechanism. I'm not sure it would be worth the hassle.

[SunSoaked]

As you already found out, there is no NSS on your truck, it has a mechanical start neutral lockout in the column. Try twisting the key to start - with the gear select lever in any position other than P or N - you can't do it (or shouldn't be able to). On some automatic transmission equipped vehicles, the actuation of the ignition switch is prevented by a mechanical lockout system, which prevents the lock cylinder from rotating when the selector lever is out of Park or Neutral. When the selector lever is in Park or Neutral, the slots in the bowl plate and the finger on the actuator rod align, allowing the finger to pass through the bowl plate, in turn actuating the ignition switch. If the selector lever is in any position other than Park or Neutral, the finger contacts the bowl plate when the lock cylinder is rotated, thereby preventing full travel of the lock cylinder.

[kipps]

You're describing an automatic. Mine's a manual, so there is a clutch interlock switch to prevent starting.

I really need to just open it up and see what's there. I just thought someone might have been in one recently enough to say whether it's worth wasting time on or not.

[1976gmc20]

Originally Posted by kipps

You're describing an automatic. Mine's a manual, so there is a clutch interlock switch to prevent starting.

I really need to just open it up and see what's there. I just thought someone might have been in one recently enough to say whether it's worth wasting time on or not.

I've not done it yet, but there are some YouTube videos about fixing the loose screws on the tilt column, which requires taking apart all the signal and ignition switch and locking wheel stuff. You need a wheel puller and some other special tool which I haven't gone out and bought yet.

If I remember correctly, there is just a big notched washer in there that you can just leave out to eliminate the steering wheel lock. If I ever go into any of mine, I'm planning to leave that part out because they have a habit of jamming up when parking on a hill (is there any other place to park? ).