Damn steering column XD - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

dr.ducttape · 09-20-2009, 08:38 PM

I bought a 88 GMC 3/4 ton pick up and took it out for a ride, then parked it. I went out to start it and now the steering linkage wont shift, it is stuck bad. How do i unstick it or should i just put in a new column from a junk yard? Any feed back will help, I am a novice when it comes to auto mechanics.

ChevLoRay · 09-20-2009, 10:41 PM

to the board from the Heart of Arkansas!!

Now, on to your problem. Is the truck an automatic or manual transmission?

I'm gonna guess that your problem is that you turned off the ignition while the steering wheel was in such a position that you can't turn the key to start the vehicle. I say this because I don't really understand everything you stated as to your problem. But, try turning the steering wheel whichever way you can that it will try to turn, and that will take pressure off of the steering wheel lock.

If that ain't it, give us a few more clues and details.

dr.ducttape · 09-21-2009, 07:10 AM

I'm sorry i wasn't too much in detail but yes it is an automatic tranny (700r I think) and no i use a punch to start it cause the tumblers in the key are sprung and i got the ignition switch hanging down to start the thing, (how ghetto is that?!?!?!?) there is no pressure on the column tho. I hope that helps, if not keep firing away with questions

ChevLoRay · 09-21-2009, 10:40 AM

Well, you got past me on that one. If your ignition switch is dangling and you're using a punch at some point in the starting process my guess is that there are issues within the column that deal with the mechanics of the starting/shifter interlock and you're gonna have to replace the column or dismantle it to find out what is out of place. Best advice from my point of view is a good column to replace the one you have.

JohnC · 09-21-2009, 11:45 AM

Yeah you may have knocked something loose while using the punch to unlock the assembly. There is a keyway in there for the tilt that causes a lot of problems in there. Shouldn't affect the shifter, but something may have broke, and is blocking it. You may also check your linkage underneath to make sure something isn't in a bind there.

09-20-2009, 08:38 PM	#1
dr.ducttape Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Van wert ohio Posts: 5	Damn steering column XD I bought a 88 GMC 3/4 ton pick up and took it out for a ride, then parked it. I went out to start it and now the steering linkage wont shift, it is stuck bad. How do i unstick it or should i just put in a new column from a junk yard? Any feed back will help, I am a novice when it comes to auto mechanics.

09-20-2009, 10:41 PM	#2
ChevLoRay Old Skool Club Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Benton, AR "The Heart of Arkansas" Posts: 10,880	Re: Damn steering column XD to the board from the Heart of Arkansas!! Now, on to your problem. Is the truck an automatic or manual transmission? I'm gonna guess that your problem is that you turned off the ignition while the steering wheel was in such a position that you can't turn the key to start the vehicle. I say this because I don't really understand everything you stated as to your problem. But, try turning the steering wheel whichever way you can that it will try to turn, and that will take pressure off of the steering wheel lock. If that ain't it, give us a few more clues and details. __________________ Member Nr. 2770 '96 GMC Sportside; 4.3/SLT - Daily driven....constantly needs washed. '69 C-10 SWB; 350/TH400 - in limbo The older I get, the better I was.

09-21-2009, 07:10 AM	#3
dr.ducttape Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Van wert ohio Posts: 5	Re: Damn steering column XD I'm sorry i wasn't too much in detail but yes it is an automatic tranny (700r I think) and no i use a punch to start it cause the tumblers in the key are sprung and i got the ignition switch hanging down to start the thing, (how ghetto is that?!?!?!?) there is no pressure on the column tho. I hope that helps, if not keep firing away with questions

09-21-2009, 10:40 AM	#4
ChevLoRay Old Skool Club Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Benton, AR "The Heart of Arkansas" Posts: 10,880	Re: Damn steering column XD Well, you got past me on that one. If your ignition switch is dangling and you're using a punch at some point in the starting process my guess is that there are issues within the column that deal with the mechanics of the starting/shifter interlock and you're gonna have to replace the column or dismantle it to find out what is out of place. Best advice from my point of view is a good column to replace the one you have. __________________ Member Nr. 2770 '96 GMC Sportside; 4.3/SLT - Daily driven....constantly needs washed. '69 C-10 SWB; 350/TH400 - in limbo The older I get, the better I was.

09-21-2009, 11:45 AM	#5
JohnC Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 7,461	Re: Damn steering column XD Yeah you may have knocked something loose while using the punch to unlock the assembly. There is a keyway in there for the tilt that causes a lot of problems in there. Shouldn't affect the shifter, but something may have broke, and is blocking it. You may also check your linkage underneath to make sure something isn't in a bind there.

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