Ignition locked up.

I am new to this forum, as well as being a novice mechanic (and the term "novice" is giving me more credit than I deserve). I bought a 1989 Jeep Cherokee 4X4 to work on and restore. While changing the shifter, I made the mistake of trying to install a manual shifter on an automatic.
Since I did this, I am unable to turn the key in the ignition. I have no idea how to correct this. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks,

Karl

You need to either put the old automatic shifter back in or get a new one and install it. Then you will need to adjust according to the procedure at this link: http://www.pirate4x4.com/tech/billavista/PDFs/AW4_manual.PDF

Thanks, I will give it a try on Saturday.

Thanks, I will give it a try on Saturday.

Are you sure??? The lock controls the shifter....the shifter does not control the lock.
Try "rocking" the steering wheel.
I have seen and replaced bad tumblers (Jeep Wrangler)...try WD40 to free it up. What happens is metal chips get in there from a: too many keys hang off of it or b: too bumpy of a road.
Seen this on other brands also (VW).

Good point Aloha(and I hope it's that easy), but have you ever tried to turn the key off with the shifer in D or R? It will not allow it due to the interlock device. The same interlock device(NSS) will also prevents the key from turning and the engine starting while in gear. I think that using the wrong shifter will not acuate the interlock and therefore prevent the key from turning.