Key ignition relocation and wiring.

[David_Shaggy01]

First time poster here. So I have a 2008 2.3l 4 cylinder ford ranger. I’m in the middle of doing renovations and upgrades. I have the model that doesn’t have steering wheel column adjustment so it’s in one angle. I’m about six foot and particular about how I sit. So basically I have to adjust the seat in order to see my gauge cluster properly. And currently, the driver door window crank is making my left knee agitated and my right knee is agitated from bumping into the column ignition. I’m rewiring the interior and exterior lights and mounting a switch panel under the radio and ac switches, so I figured I could mount the new ignition on the panel but instead of a regular ignition, I’m thinking of a key operated on/off ignition, and incorporating a monetary push button or monetary toggle, as well as a hidden kill switch. The ignition and monetary will be next to my light switches all have transparent flip open switch covers. Quote on quote, “race panel style.” I prefer this anyway in the sense of having everything organized in one place on a single aluminum panel. But also because of a past injury. Any car I’ve ever driven is just a pain because of my right wrist. I’m only 21 but when I was in middle school playing football, I intercepted a pass in a questionable manner and unknowingly fractured my wrist right where the hand is joined. When it healed, it didn’t grow correctly because I didn’t have a cast. It swells every now and then but any type of turning or twisting motion can be straight hell whenever it acts up. This includes ignitions with 4 way positions including a start. Not too long ago, I was hanging with a new work buddy and showed me his street drag he was working on. 99 Camaro I believe. He had it wired with a toggle instead of a key, and a monetary push button start. Obviously I still want to keep my key. But only in an on/off position ignition with a monetary push start and a kill switch when I’m not driving. I know it sounds cliche but when he let me start that car for the first time, it almost brought me to tears. It was the first time I ever started a vehicle without feeling like I’m stretching a sprain. Any fuses or relays I need? Obviously I need to incorporate radio and other electronics. But if I can figure out how to do this I will be absolutely thrilled with bliss and peace. Sorry if this sounds stupid. I don’t even know if I posted this in the right category. But thanks for the time anyways. Sorry for the tldr style post. I just really wanna figure this out as soon as possible if I can. Thank you for your time in advance.

P.S.
r.i.p. to me for having a ford ranger

 

[OldCracker29]

Vehicle electronics are not in my category.
to

 

[kennythewelder]

Yes, it can be done. Your going to have to do some research and find a wiring diagram for you trucks steering column, and, or ingition switch. Basically, when you turn on the ingition switch, that turns on the power, then when you turn the key, to the start position, it puts power, to the starter solenoid. The key on, switch, must keep power, when cranking, for the truck to start. When you turn the key off, it turns off the power to that circuit. If you have the starter solenoid on the fire wall of the truck, you can tap into that, to in gauge the starter. There should be some videos on YouTube on how to do this.

 

[David_Shaggy01]

Yes, it can be done. Your going to have to do some research and find a wiring diagram for you trucks steering column, and, or ingition switch. Basically, when you turn on the ingition switch, that turns on the power, then when you turn the key, to the start position, it puts power, to the starter solenoid. The key on, switch, must keep power, when cranking, for the truck to start. When you turn the key off, it turns off the power to that circuit. If you have the starter solenoid on the fire wall of the truck, you can tap into that, to in gauge the starter. There should be some videos on YouTube on how to do this.

Ok thank you this makes sense.

 

[Kennyray]

I think it would be easier to replace the column with one that tilts. You can also relocate the seat farther back if it's an extended cab.