Hi all I have an '83 w-250 but it was made in 12 of 83 so im finding that alot of parts are for an 84. Well my problems is when i got the truck the tumbler had been busted out so that you can use a screwdriver to start the truck. im trying to replace the tumbler but i cant get it out. Im pushing the button and trying to pry it out but it moved a 1/4 inch maybe and stopped. Am I doing something wrong? any tips or tricks? Anyhing u guys got will be apprecited
thanks

 

Best to have a manual,there are a couple of pieces in there that hold the unit in,like the steering wheel lock and the rod for the starter switch.

 

Last time I had a cylinder go out it was worth the $100 to have a locksmith rebuild it. They have all the tools and knowledge to make this job a snap.

 

uh. look i dont know what kind of shape your truck is in.
But with the locks on the door working i dont really think spending any amount is worth it - since its easy to steel these even with a working ignition lock. I drove my last truck (a 91) around with a broken cylinder in driver's door. You could open it with a dime! nobody bothered to steal it.

 

If your truck was made 12/83, it is an '84. The model year starts around June or July(not sure exactly which month), so any vehicles made after that date are for the following year.
Basically, all vehicles made from mid-year-83 to mid-year-84 are '84's. Thats why you could have bought an '09 truck in July '08.

 

Hey guys thanks for the reply i figured it out and it was not that hard. once you remove the steering wheel(with a puller) then take off the three screws holding the turn signal mechinism on then reach under the dash and unplug it which gives you enough slack to move it out of the way. Then you remove the snap ring that allows the collar to come off and under that there is a spring and a plate that just slides off and if I remember right there was another little guard plate that you remove that let me access the back of the cylinder. Then I had a friend depress the lock button and I took a sledge hammer and flatblade screwdriver and finessed it out I bought a new tumbler from autozone for 18 bucks and put it all back together. If any1 else is having this problem I hope it helps. My problem was I was being to nice I had to use more force probably because of whatever they pounded in there to bust the lock caused it to jam. Which leads me to my next problem which i will start a new thread for.