[MikeMTJ]

After my 4 inch rough country lift, I can't get the key out of the ignition. I can turn my YJ all the way off, but I just can't get it all the way to the point of pulling it out. If I jiggle the column shifter real hard, it comes out sometimes. I have an auto. I called rough country, and they had never heard of this happening to an auto. I imagine that there is a problem with a linkage in the transmission or the column.

Generally I would work on it until I fixed it, but I don't have much time. I'm super busy with finals, so I don't have a lot of time to mess around.

Any ideas, or thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

 

[csamn2007]

I dont know YJs that well, the only thing i can think of that would effect steering column with the 4 ich lift is if you didnt use a drop pitman arm.

 

[jeepjones]

I dont know YJs that well, the only thing i can think of that would effect steering column with the 4 ich lift is if you didnt use a drop pitman arm.

But that wouldn't affect the steering column, the steering gear (box) is mounted firmly to the frame.

 

[MikeMTJ]

Yeah, it's not the pitman arm.

 

[techmike]

The key in my YJ won't come out until I push the release lever on the column. Maybe yours is jammed?

 

[Ibuildembig]

None of that should matter honestly....the linkage is attached to the bottom of the body and to the side of the tranny. The only thing that would affect that would be a dreaded body lift. Now, you can loosen up the bolts that hold the column to the dash and move it around to see if that makes a difference. Just look right behind the dash and above the brake pedal. You will see two bolts going through the column up into a bracket (15mm I think) Loosen them up and you will be able to slide your column in and out a little bit.

 

[mcgyver1467]

I had the same problem with the 4" on my YJ. The transfer case spacer changes the shift linkage length and angle. You have to readjust the shift linkage. It is pulling pressure on the shifter in the column.

 

[Norituck]

After my 4 inch rough country lift, I can't get the key out of the ignition. I can turn my YJ all the way off, but I just can't get it all the way to the point of pulling it out. If I jiggle the column shifter real hard, it comes out sometimes. I have an auto. I called rough country, and they had never heard of this happening to an auto. I imagine that there is a problem with a linkage in the transmission or the column.

Generally I would work on it until I fixed it, but I don't have much time. I'm super busy with finals, so I don't have a lot of time to mess around.

Any ideas, or thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

I have the same problem also. My key comes out but not as easy as before the lift. Also when I shift into drive the lever is now inbetween the "D" and the "2".

 

[MikeMTJ]

Same here Norituck. I've found if I jam the shifter all the way to the right, and pull towards me, my key will release.

 

[mcgyver1467]

The linkage is binding the shifter which in turn binds the lock cylinder. It acts as if its in Drive and the key won't come out. Simple fix. In front of the firewall and to the right of the steering shaft the linkage runs down and is attached to another shaft that is mounted to the body right under the edge of the firewall. Where the two shafts attach you can see a sort of U shaped part with a screw in it. Loosen that screw and slide the upper rod up. check inside and see that the arrow is lined up with the P for park. Tighten the screw and you're done.

 

[Norituck]

Thanks Ibuildembig and Mcgyver. I'll try that.

 

[MikeMTJ]

The linkage is binding the shifter which in turn binds the lock cylinder. It acts as if its in Drive and the key won't come out. Simple fix. In front of the firewall and to the right of the steering shaft the linkage runs down and is attached to another shaft that is mounted to the body right under the edge of the firewall. Where the two shafts attach you can see a sort of U shaped part with a screw in it. Loosen that screw and slide the upper rod up. check inside and see that the arrow is lined up with the P for park. Tighten the screw and you're done.

I will try this tomorrow after I get it back from being aligned. Thanks for the advice.

 

[mcgyver1467]

No problem. It took me a while to figure out what caused it for me. Being a suspension lift it shouldn't have caused anything wrong. I didn't think about the linkage until I noticed that the shifter was between Park and Drive. Then realized it had to be the linkage.

 

[MikeMTJ]

No problem. It took me a while to figure out what caused it for me. Being a suspension lift it shouldn't have caused anything wrong. I didn't think about the linkage until I noticed that the shifter was between Park and Drive. Then realized it had to be the linkage.

I can't seem to figure this out. The bolt that I unscrewed didn't do anything...Mind taking a picture?

Ibuildembig- I'm going to try your solution in the AM.

It's actually causing some issues. When it's in park, I can hear a noise coming from the tranny in park unless I hold it in it's normal position that it would be in before the tcase drop

Anyone else have any ideas? I know it's from the tcase drop...but it's a matter of making adjustments.

 

[Ibuildembig]

Another thing I do when putting a tcase drop kit on is loosen the motor mounts so it will tilt easier. After its in place I tighten them back up.

 

[MikeMTJ]

I already put the tcase drop in, but I guess I could still adjust me mounts.

To be honest, I really hate the entire tcase drop concept. After tires, that's next on my list.

 

[Ibuildembig]

Why do you hate it? I've done them for 13 years without issue

 

[MikeMTJ]

I just rather have an SYE and a drive shaft. Can't afford it at the current moment. I guess hate was a little to strong of a word. I kinda see it as a temp fix.

 

[Ibuildembig]

lol not me, you all can keep that CV stuff

 

[YjPoWeR93]

ibuildembig you mean to tell me in the jeep (i assume is yours) in your avitar you dont have a sye or cv shaft?