Topic: Steering Column Lock Pin Removal?

[Wheezer]

Has anyone done this? Can it be done? We're getting ready to hit the road and we will be flat towing the "Wheezer" behind the motorhome. When towing 4 down you have to unlock the steering column but that creates a problem in having the key in the ignition when towing. The problem arises in having to remember to pull the key out when leaving the rig. So I was thinking do you really need the column lock pin? Does it perform any function other than locking the steering column? If I remove the pin from the rack and pinion will it cause problems? Thoughts, opinions, comments?
BTW- the Wheezer is a '95 YJ with 2.5L 4cyl and 5spd, locked at both ends but the CAD is still installed.
Thanks!

Wheezer

[Jeffy]

Lock the doors and disconnect the battery?  Digging into the steering column can be a real PITA.  It's like taking apart a cake from the top everything has to come out before you get down far enough.

[Wheezer]

Yeah! A real pain, but I've already had it apart about 3 times (I won't go into why, it's just too painful to talk about), so I'm getting pretty good at it. I got a suggestion on another board to cut off just enough to not engage the lock ring but still engage the tube that it slides back and forth in. This sounds like a real good option, you know just in case it does provide stability to the rack.

Wheezer

[oldjeep]

I did it on a YJ a while back.  I just pulled off the steering wheel, removed the lock plate and then used a cutoff wheel to cut the lock pin off - seem to remember cutting through the side of the plastic on the column to do it.  In my case I did it because I was flat towing a lot and didn't want to have to leave the keys in it.