My wheel bearing had decided it lived long enough and blew apart on the freeway this morning. It got towed to a tow yard (impound) and then towed back to my house. Now I can't turn the key. I can turn it back to turn the radio on, but not forward. I can't move the shifter, I rocked the truck back and forth, moved the steering wheel around, and nothing. Does anyone have any ideas?

 

Take a small hammer and tap the head of the key in the direction of the cylinder.

 

If the steering wheel is locked, rock it back and forth while applying normal turning force to the key. We usually don't see locked steering in the '98s because it only locks when the wheel is turned 180 degrees off of center, and it can get a bit sticky.

 

I moved the steering wheel around, pushed the truck back and forth, tried to move the shifter, and still nothing. Hit the key with a smallish hammer, sprayed some lube thinking a tumbler or something got stuck, still nothing. Solid as can be. Anyone have an idea?

 

Replace the ignition switch.