lock cylinder out without a key?
 

I want to add cruse control to my 2002 2500, it has the wiring and there is a 1998 donor I can pick at a local yard. It also has a tilt wheel and it occurred to me it may be easier to swap the entire column and add that at the same time than to change the switch.

But, no keys in the donor van. Everything I read says you must have a key on these columns to change the lock cylinder, it's not like the 95-back which I could swap out in about half an hour key or not. Even if it had one I'd want to swap to use my existing key.

I did find one video where someone had taken it apart enough to get at the back of the lock cylinder and found a way to get it apart. Apparently you can unbolt what the cylinder mounts into, somehow, the video didn't show that, just the loose piece off the column. But that may defeat the purpose of trying to save some effort.

Anyone actually done this successfully?

did it for my 2000 sierra with a throttle cable system. changing the multi function switch was easier. It was plug and play for me...no programming required.

A locksmith can get the donor cylinder out for you. It shouldnt be too costly especially if you can take it to them

without a key...drill it out and wreck it.lol with a key its doable.

You used to be able to get a key made from the vin number at a dealership and some locksmiths. I have seen ads that this is still possible. You can get the vin from the van and must prove ownership to do this. it is worth a try.

This defeats the purpose of even buying the donor column.

As the donor vehicle is in a junkyard, the title has been turned over to the state reported scrapped, so there is no way to buy it or prove ownership.

i know...i'm saying a locksmith can't do it