Tilt function snapped?

[holmiejawnz]

New to me 85’ 6.9, needs steering box so drove it home with no power steering (first time doing that, was NOT fun) and I think on turning the wheel I broke the tilt function on the wheel itself and it’s stuck down in my lap, am I going to have to pull the wheel to lock it in an upwards spot? Not sure if when previous owner redid the turn signal something got weak or broken

 

[DirtyWood]

Well, torquing on a 40 year old steering column might have been a risky choice. You'll need to pull the steering wheel. I used a cheap-o harmonic balancer puller, $25, buy two 3" 5/16th-18 bolts and matching washers because the puller kit does not contain them. I think you'll need some snap ring pliers.
FWIW those tilt columns are hard to find and cost a pretty penny when you do. Hopefully the mechanism only broke at the lever on the column.

 

[hce]

Pull it apart slide the spring or pin back over into place. Good for another 20 years. I think it is the pin on the pawl that slides out.

 

[Nero]

Unless it is actually snapped. Mine, one of the locking teeth is snapped, so it has a lot of play, only in one position.