First of all, what a great forum. This is my first post under this name...I was here a year or so ago, but can't remember my login info!

Ok, so this is my situation. I live in Alexandria, VA outside of DC, and Sunday night somebody tried to steal my '05 SLT QC V8. That's right...why a truck? Apparently , the APD told me that most the time trucks are stolen, they are used to steal motorcycles. Good thing, my bikes are locked up in PA! It would have been a double win for them. Shoot, I had motorcycle tie downs and a canyon dancer in the back seat so they would have been set! To good news is they didn't take anything so Attachment 13567obviously wanted the truck. But looks like they busted the housing too much and weren't able to get the ignition to turn. They also punched the door lock as well. So, now I'd rather not go through the insurance company because I have a high deductible on my comprehensive.

The bad...I was talking with the Dodge parts guys and he so kindly informed me that the housing which holds the cylinder lock can't not be bought separately. That it is only sold as part of the steering column. Are you kidding me? I have to buy an entire steering column? Way to go Dodge.

So is this for real? Any advice? I've also been looking around at salvage yards. I've attached a pic. Somebody please tell me there is a better option.

Thanks so much!Attachment 13567

 

They didn't just bust up the lock cylinder they broke the housing the cylinder fits into. You will need to replace the entire steering colum.

 

That is what I was checking. I was hoping there was a work around! That maybe the housing could be replaced. Is this normal on other vehicles? I find it odd that it's either all or nothing.

So then to my next question. The steering column get's replaced and then I would need to get a cylinder lock and door lock that would be keyed the same, correct? Any suggestions as to where to find a steering column used? Not really wanting to pay for a new column at a hefty price I'm sure.

 

You can buy the colum from the junk yard with out the cylinder. And order a lock cylinders from the dealer that's key matched and programed for your ecm. Its going to cost you a good chunk of change. Sorry man, that sucks.

 

yes it does suck, but live goes on. here's a link to some columns I found online. they look reasonable. would they typically come with the airbag as well? How big of a job is this. I'm pretty mechanically inclined as well as my family which owns a freightliner dealership.

http://www.automotix.net/usedautopar...710d&seq_num=5

 

Full coverage call insurance wont pay for this?

 

your going to end up spending a bunch of money to get this fixed. Whats your deductible? Might be cheaper.

 

Deductible is $1500 for comprehensive since I was planning for stole or trees falling etc. Not attempted theft. hah. Anyway, talking with the dealer, the lock and cylinder lock would cost a bit over $200. If I can find a used steering column, I think I can get this done for under $1K. It will take some sweat labor, but right now, there aren't that many options.