I have been reading the threads related to trying to fix this but I am having a problem with being able to drop the steering column. How do you get the ignition past the trim on the dash by the steering wheel. Is there a way to take that piece of trim off where the ignition is? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Would removing the key tumbler and ring give you the clearance room for this?

Just a suggestion as I've never dropped the column. I've changed out the tumbler but it's been a while and don't remember. It's worth a try since it's so easily removed.

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Sam

84 300SD 350K+ miles ( Blue Belle )

Yes, removing the ring and the tumbler does give more clearance I think. Also the plastic trim piece can be removed.

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1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13

It wasn't a problem when I replaced the dash. Horn pad pulls off (no ABS on mine. Some 85s had it). 10mm allen wrench to loosen wheel. Mark position before removing. Be careful how you loosen main screw so you don't mess up wheel lock. Plastic trim slides off toward rear of car.

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85SD 240K & stopped counting painted, putting bac together. 84SD 180,000. sold to a neighbor and member here but I forget his handle. The 84 is much improved from when I had it. 85TD beginning to repair to DD status. Lots of stuff to do.

No need to pull the wheel to get out the ignition lock assembly.

__________________
1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13

My ignition is locked up so I dont think I can remove the ring on the ignition. I'm trying to be able to remove the whole ignition and steering wheel lock. I have already pulled instrument cluster and loosened bolts on steering column but I cant drop it down anymore because I cant get the ignition past the trim on the dash where the key goes.Any help greatly appreciated.

Remove the plastic trim. If it breaks, new ones are available but they run about $30. That trim should have a rubber boot that goes around the tumbler part. Is it hitting that or the dash below the ignition assembly. You only have to drop the column an inch or so to get in there and drill out the soft pin which holds the assembly in the column, then you can pull out the ignition assembly to the right. How far down has the column dropped. Can you look in the gap between the column and lower dash and see the pin which needs to be drilled out?

__________________
1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13

I finally got the ignition out and man was that a pain in the ass! But it is nice to save some money and not have to take it to a garage. I ordered a whole new ignition and lock assembly. Now I just hope I can get it all back together. This site is great. Thanks for all the help.