the column on your jeep is the same as in a chevy. A screwdriver and some raps with a hammer can get you going. But it is just as easy to pull the steering wheel and put in a new cylinder for about 40 min and 15 dollars.

 

yeah I tried my screwdriver theory but it did not go maybe I didn't put enough ooomph in it, either way I wanted to avoid taking apart the column twice. but I will end up just doing so.. right now I got the thing towed in my neighbors driveway shes never home but, the off chance she decides to poke in

 

Couple of options:

A locksmith can make a new key to fit the existing cylinder. This can be done a couple of ways...one involves removing the cylinder and the other does not...depends on the locksmith and how good he is or which is quickest based on his experience. However, it sounds like you may have tried to jam in a screwdriver so the cylinder is probably damaged beyond repair.

Which brings us to the second option...you mentioned you have another cylinder on order IIRC. It doesn't take that long to get in there and replace the cylinder compared to what you have already been thru. You will need a steering wheel puller and a tool known as a lock plate compresser. There are plenty of "how to" pics and write-ups on the internet...the column is GM Saginaw, only about a zillion of them out there.

Let us know how you do.

 

I have both tools needed to remove the cylinder, I am familiar with the actual column as my 89 firebird has the same one. just was wondering the quickest method to pop out the old cylinder to so I can still drive the beast until the new one gets here, atm I'm just going to do it the "right" way and take it apart remove old cylinder and put it back together without it.