Lock Cylinder Help

I am having a problem trying to remove the ignition lock cylinder from my CJ in the steering colum. I know there two types, one with a retaining screw, and one with a small push tab to release the cylinder after turning to the start position. I didn't have a retaining screw, and for the life of me I can't confirm if I have the push tab. I've tried both. Can I just drill out the cylinder and pull it with a slide hammer? If I distroy the lockset/colum mount I will just install a ignition key set in the dash. May need help wiring that too. You can email suggestions to senander@sbcglobal.net Thanks.

 

the year of your Jeep would help.
do you have a picture of where you are at with the column teardown ?
I believe it was 1979/1980 or thereabouts where the lock cylinder was retained with the Torx head screw. This would be in plain view once the column is torn down.
On some Saginaw/Jeep columns, if yours is the push tab type, there may be some column flashing that is covering the access hole for the tab retainer.
Have you purchased the new lock cylinder ?
If so, lay the new one alongside or over the top of the old cylinder; take a measurement of where the tab is; poke thru the flashing, depress tab and pull straight out; it's not necc to have a key or to have to turn the old one to remove it; it'll pull straight out.
I hate to see you destroy the column for lack of knowledge,
but it's your Jeep.

 

some info and pics here
might be helpful to you

http://www.jeepsunlimited.com/forums/showthread.php?t=684818&highlight=ignition+lock+cylinder