Put vehicle in neutral with no key?

[hunterdan]

Ok, so I'm picking up a 86 E250 Van tomorrow. It's a Quigley 4x4 and it has no keys. I was thinking to disconnect shift cable at trans and find neutral...maybe move forward/backward two clicks? Now Im wondering if I can just put 4wd shifter in floor in neutral and winch onto a rollback?
Any suggestions, and any idea if either could do any harm?
Thanks

 

[Noel]

Ok, so I'm picking up a 86 E250 Van tomorrow. It's a Quigley 4x4 and it has no keys. I was thinking to disconnect shift cable at trans and find neutral...maybe move forward/backward two clicks? Now Im wondering if I can just put 4wd shifter in floor in neutral and winch onto a rollback?
Any suggestions, and any idea if either could do any harm?
Thanks

Will roll in any gear other than park. Don’t worry which is neutral

 

[shawn]

Might could just stick any old Ford key (or screwdriver) in the ignition and wiggle it until it turns.

But yeah, tcase in neutral. Might be a 205.

 

[hunterdan]

Might could just stick any old Ford key (or screwdriver) in the ignition and wiggle it until it turns.

But yeah, tcase in neutral. Might be a 205.

I was wondering if that would work? Gone in 60 seconds method. Is it that easy...just jam a flathead screwdriver in the key slot? Then what...just vice grip it forward?
I imagined getting a local smith to cut a key but would a new ignition be easier?
Thanks again

 

[jeepinmatt]

Might could just stick any old Ford key (or screwdriver) in the ignition and wiggle it until it turns.

But yeah, tcase in neutral. Might be a 205.

My dad and I have had a couple ford trucks of that generation through the years, and none of them required a correct key to turn the ignition.

Otherwise go for t-case in neutral. Just seems easier, and thats what its for. If the t-case is in 4wd, you may have some minor driveline binding which will make it a little harder to drag on. But honestly with a rollback and winch, you can do none of the above and still just drag it on.

 

[hunterdan]

My dad and I have had a couple ford trucks of that generation through the years, and none of them required a correct key to turn the ignition.

Otherwise go for t-case in neutral. Just seems easier, and thats what its for. If the t-case is in 4wd, you may have some minor driveline binding which will make it a little harder to drag on. But honestly with a rollback and winch, you can do none of the above and still just drag it on.

Thanks for the tips y'all

 

[Jeffncs]

@hunterdan

Put the transfer case in N especially if you’re going to roll it around more than a little. That’ll save your trans from spinning without lubrcation.

 

[hunterdan]

@hunterdan

Put the transfer case in N especially if you’re going to roll it around more than a little. That’ll save your trans from spinning without lubrcation.

Ok, thanks. Just gonna load it and unload. It's been sitting for 18 years so lots to do first.

 

[Ron]

I’d damn near bet you could stick a nail file in it and crank it.
Those tumblers suck.

But +1 on tcase to neutral and rock on

 

[rodney eppes]

@hunterdan

Put the transfer case in N especially if you’re going to roll it around more than a little. That’ll save your trans from spinning without lubrcation.

Years back, I used to junk cars, & resale some wholesale cars I got from a dealer friend. He gave me a Mercury once that had broken down on the highway, & been towed in to somewhere. Really decent car, full size maybe a 67 or so with the 390. I finally figured out the spring on the points had broke. Boy, That was a easy fix! Haha. But guess what? It went forward, but hit reverse & it locked up! Couldn't bust it loose. Wrecker driver towed down the highway with driveshaft connected, which ran the tranny so hot it welder the bands together! I sold the whole car to a transmission shop.