How to replace ignition switch in 1981 Ford F-150 when you don't have the keys

SOURCE: ford f-150 ignition switch

You will need to take the houseing off around the ignition should only be a couple of screws. Then here comes the fun bit, You will have to see if you can get hold of the tool that undoes and does up the bolts (as I will call them for you not there proper name but tech name may have you going the what ) that hold the ignition on or if not fussy you could just drill them out lift the ignition off after unlocking the steering lock so turn onto first click so radio would normally come on and with the new one you can always just change the bolts that may or maynot come with it( and most times they don't) with hex head ones or what ever is your fancy, but remember if you put it on with a spanner a thief can undo it with one, install just a reverse on uninstall. then you just screw the houseing back on. You maybe able to find or may know someone with ability to get the tool for the original bolts or if handy with a grinder and have a piece of metal around you could try making one. Most are a sort of rounded out triangle, but they usually only do up easily and are very hard to undo without the proper tool and most mechanics will just replace them with new ones as the reverse direction is rounded up to the back side to make it very difficult for a thief to simply undo in a few minutes, I've known people who have used a flat screw driver and smashed a groove into them to undo but remember that will also make them easy for a thief to just remove and bypass your ignition system ie steering locks and soforth

SOURCE: f-150 ford pickup ignition switch -

Let's hope with a Supercab you have a tilt steering wheel.If so, just unhook the negative battery cable, line your wheels up straight, leave it in park, and turn the key on. On the underside of the housing the key and lock cylinder is in, above the hazard switch, is a very small hole with a locking pin inside. Using a small punch, or whatever works for you, simply push the pin in as you pull the lock cylinder out, sort of twisting and rotating the cylinder as you pull. A non-tilting column is a little harder, but it's not difficult, just take your time and think about what you're doing. First you need to remove the steering wheel, so make sure you mark the wheel and column in a couple places so it's easy to line up later. On the back side of the wheel are two screws that hold the front padding with the horn in it. Remove it, being careful of the wires, and disconnect. With cruise control, when you disconnect the wiring in there, you need to squeeze the ground wire terminal clip carefully but firmly (it's sort of like a "J" clip), and pull the wire out of the hole in the wheel. DON'T just pull it out, squeeze, it's spring loaded. Then remove the switch for the horn and the nut holding the wheel on. Use a puller on the steering wheel, but not one they call a "knock off", because it's pretty easy to screw things up if you go hammerin' on the wheel or the column shaft. Take your time. Then you'll find the little hole with the retaining pin near the base of the lock cylinder inside the column, remove it the same way. Remember, in park with key on. Hope this helps you out. If you happen to be referring to the actual "ignition switch", located inside the steering column (which most people don't even know actually exists), or you don't have the key and that's why you're doing this, you'll have to let me know, and I'll try to walk you through those procedures at a later date.

SOURCE: Ignition switch 84 Ford F150 no key

Hi,
When you say you were able to remove it - does this mean the broken part of the key? if it was, then just take both pieces to a locksmith that cuts auto keys, and have a replacement cut. If it uses a transponder, make sure this is copied also.

With a working key, remove any plastic surround around the lock mechanism (put the steering wheel back on), and look at the lock mechanism around the actual lock. Turn the key to position 1. This should allow a small pin on the side of the lock body to be pressed in - releasing the lock cylinder, which will come out on the key when you pull it.

These are some makes where you have to drill to depress the catch, but this is a hands-on job for an auto locksmith.

Hope this helps.

Thanks for using Fixya.

SOURCE: Replacing the ignition switch in a 96 ford mustang cobra svt

Follow these steps carefully. this will help you achieve this replacement.

1. 
   Disconnect the negative battery cable from the terminal on the battery. Remove the upper and lower steering column covers by unscrewing them.
   
2. 
   Remove the steering wheel by lifting off the center cover, disconnecting the horn wire and removing the retaining nut and washer. Make a mark on the steering wheel spline and the wheel itself so you can line it back up precisely. Pull the steering wheel straight back to remove from the shaft.
   
3. 
   Take off windshield wiper and turn signal switches by pulling them off as you did the steering wheel and disconnect the wiring. Slide the spacer sleeve off of the steering column.
   
4. 
   Unscrew the ignition switch mounting screws. Pull out the ignition switch. Disconnect the wiring connector from back of the ignition switch. Simply loosen the tabs and pull it out.
   
5. 
   Insert your key into the ignition. Turn the ignition switch to the locked position. Depress the retaining pin with a small screwdriver and turn the key to the Off position to free the cylinder. Once it is free, turn the key to lock position and remove the key and key cylinder.
   
6. 
   Install your old key cylinder into the new ignition switch assembly. Make sure the contacts in the cylinder and assembly line up. Reattach wiring to ignition switch, slide it into place, screw in mounting screws and reassemble steering wheel and switches.
   

SOURCE: 1988 Ford F-150 ignition lock cylinder replacement

No real simple way. Steering wheel removal is required and drilling out the retainer pin .
Taking out the cylinder from the outside is possible but damage to the steering column is a risk and lots of patience with a die grinder is needed.