Can'treenter ignition actuator rod because of the tilt steering
plate is in the way and won't allow the rod to be inserted.
I was told there are two springs under pressure that allow the tilt
mecanism to operate and it could be dangerous to remove if you don't know what you are doing, which I don't? I have dropped the steering column and pulled the steering wheel, but still can't get the rod in. Any solution or special tool or proceedure that will allow me to remedy this?

 

I just tore my steering column apart in my 1990 F150 to remove (and hopefully soon replace) a broken ignition actuator. I couldn't figure out how to remove the pins from tilt mechanism at first, but after some online research figured it out. Ford recommends use of a slide hammer, but there was a suggestion to use a machine screw (#10) threaded into the drift pin (one on each side), then clamping a Vise Grip to the bolt and tapping it out with a hammer. Mine came right out without much effort. There was only one spring (lower right), but it didn't cause any big issue as far as exploding out of there. There was some tension, but no flying objects.

I'm still awaiting my replacement part, so not too sure about the whole re-assembly thing. So Good Luck to both of us..........