Stuck Key and Control Arm Bolts...

[DIGITRUCK]

Hey,


'88 XJ Cherokee Laredo 4.0 Auto. 5k mi on Reman Engine and Tranny.


I've had the Jeep since '96. OMG - I've been rebuilding her for TEN YEARS! YIKES! Gotta get out and smell the coffee! LOL


Whenever I shut off the engine and place the tranny in park, the Ignition Key will be hard to remove UNLESS I push the Shifter up a little and jiggle it. Then I can remove the key (Ignition Lock was replaced too). It even did this with the old Tranny.

1. What's causing this and how can I fix it?



I had the ENTIRE suspension system replaced with all new components. Haven't done the steering yet but the mechs said looks fine no need.

During the replacement of the pass side UPPER CONTROL ARM the BOLT that goes through the frame broke. The mechs replaced it with one of a slightly smaller diameter (maybe around 1/16" smaller).


2. Do you think this bolt will hold up or may break being it's slightly smaller? I had this done around August and been driving her around with no probs.


Thx, Phil
ps HAPPY HOLIDAYS EVERYONE!

[Saudade]

There is a cable that comes from the shifter to the base of the column and then up the column. It prevents you from removing the key with the trans out of park.

If you look at the base of the column, it mounts on the ignition switch stud (closest to the firewall), just behind and above the high beam switch. It's a bit tight in there, so you may need to remove the lower dash panel to get into it. If you are able to reach it, there's a small nut holding it down. Loosen the nut and slide the mount toward the wheel and snug (repeat SNUG) the nut down. If you overtighten, you'll snap it off.

As far as the bolt, I'd think the extra play would affect your steering and alignment although 1/16" is not that much. I'd would change it in my '88, but I would do it when convenient (no need to stop and do it now).

[DIGITRUCK]

Hey,


Update:


Today I was at the Junk Yard and I got two sets of nuts and bolts but they are for the LOWER CONTROL ARM.

Does anyone know if this hardware is the same size and diameter as the NUTS AND BOLTS for the UPPER CONTROL ARM? All I know is the bolt is of bigger diameter than what the mechs put in since they could not get a larger bolt.


Thx, Phil