I have a 2005 F250 with broken ignition lock - it was broken into and lock damaged but the degenerate was frightened off before stealing the vehicle. This truck is not used on the road, only round the farm, but the key will no longer operate the ignition, so will not release the steering lock, so is immobile.
Without it costing much what is the best way to get mobile again?

 

Welcome to the site..

If the vandals damaged the lock set to where the key will not insert and turn the lock which seems like the problem you stated, the lock set will need to be replaced.
But,, to do so the lock set/ignition needs to be turned to the ON position. Once in the ON position there’s a small access hole on the bottoms of the column under the lock set where you insert a pin, nail etc and push in the retaining pin as you pull out the lock set.
With a damaged lock set, you’ll most likely need to drill out the core of the lock set to get the tumbler pins out and allow the lock to move freely so it can be turned the ON position.

Once removed you have two options. Just buy another ‘keyed’ lock set (but it won’t be keyed alike to the doors any longer) or,, Ford sells a universal type lock set that comes with a lock and a selection of pins, springs and new cover plate. You use your old key and insert the pins in the order that allows the key to rotate. The set comes with instructions and isn’t terrible hard to do if you have some patience.. Or, a lock smith could do it quick for a few bucks...

 

Thanks Hayapower.
Looks like I will have to drill the lock out as the key will go in but not turn even a little. We are 100kms from the nearest locksmith so a relatively small issue like this is a real pain - and I hate to just butcher stuff, even though it is just an old truck, but a pretty clean one set to do what I need for years.

 

Good luck with the fix..
If you need any illustrations let me know...