I have had this part rekeyed in the past twice so I know at least the old design of the part can be rekeyed. ( I have had the car for 23 years and the original owner - 1996 XJ SPort)

- Bought replacement part from Doorman
- locksmith could not get the end "collar" off to rekey cylinder
- used to have a push pin that held the collar in place and it now looks like it is press fitted and would not be able to get it collar off to rekey?

Doorman, Omnix, Crown, ... all seem to be of the same reconstruction.

1. Has anyone run into this?
2. Does the collar have to be removed to rekey or is the locksmith mistaken?
3. If it is press fitted - have you been able to rekey?

 

I don't have experience with that Dorman. It looks to me like it is just set
up for the keys that come with it. You may not be able to re-key it using the
original wafers, but I can't say for sure. I'm sure it would work with its own
keys if you install it in the Jeep.

I did replace my lock cylinder on my 98 XJ. I got a STRATTEC brand lock
cylinder from a locksmith friend and just installed wafers to match my old key.
It worked but the old key was so worn it would sometimes stick so the locksmith
made me some new keys. Works great. I just use the old key for the trunk.

So, you might consider installing the Dorman as is or getting a cylinder from the
locksmith and have him do it his way.

 

This post is to update people currently and help people in the future.

1. It is possible to rekey the typical pressed on key cylinder you get from Crown, Dorman, ... everyone except the below types ... also ... it is more expensive. And, not finding a locksmith to do it is difficult. I suggest a DIY approach.
a. take two screwdrivers and pop the collar piece (very opposites of key entry) off.
b Remove cylinder (see youtube for how to do the wafers)
c. replace collar and hold in place by using a punch to "push the centerline metal into the collar"

2. for my 1996 XJ the STRATTEC 702788 (see attached photo) is a much better, lower cost, DIY, option. I found it for $17 plus $4 shipping. In short you order the kit and do everything yourself which, cumulatively, will be much less time and expense based on what I experienced. Below is a photo of the kit. They have other years also.