Key - difficult to turn in ignition (starting and turning off)

[mm_putnam@yahoo.com]

First post here for me.
'95 SWB - 136k miles. Just got the truck. I'll hold off on the laundry list for now and focus on the key/ignition. Sorry if this is long.

The key is a little difficult to work in the ignition. I think I've got the pattern down to get it in, start the truck, turn off the truck, and get it out so I'm not having any real difficulties but wanted to describe the scenario and get some input.

If I insert the key all the way into the ignition it will not turn clockwise to crank the truck. If I back it out a touch (it's a little hard to know how much to back it out) I can crank it.
When I turn it off I think it's the normal process. Turn it counter-clockwise to turn the engine off and then press the key in and continue turning to the '0' position and remove the key.

I've had the key not turn all the way back one time only and I believe it was caused by the device (forget what it's called) not moving up to release the key. I'm hoping to lube that in case - but not a big deal as it's only happened once so far.

I'm guessing a new ignition switch wouldn't hurt but don't want to drop the $450 on a new one yet b/c it's not a real problem yet.

Questions:
1. Anyone know what would cause the key to go in too far or not turn when it is in too far that I could fix?
2. If I do go the new ignition switch route, can I have it re-pinned to fit my existing key?

Thanks for any input.

[daway]

could be your ign. lock going. in my 93 lwb i had issues were i could not turn the key sometimes and my wife and r 1yr (at time) almost got stuck in a parking lot in the winter. sometimes it would turn great and then the nest time it would not turn at all. i had something happen like your talking about to. might not be and only the ign switch. just a thought.
good luck
http://www.roverparts.com/Parts/STC1436G.cfm

[daway]

if it is your switch then u dont need to re-pin the key it connects on to the ign lock. http://www.roverparts.com/Parts/STC1746.cfm

if u need the ign lock then u can have someone re-pin it. i had mine repinned so i would not have 3 keys. the PO had issues w/ the PS lock and i have a key only for that door. sometime i need to fix my PS lock (only unlocks) and will re-pin that so i have 1 key.

edit: u might find the part that u need from someone that is parting out a 95 rrc or a early disco (94-99). i have one from my dads 91 rrc but will not work on the 95 rrc.

[johnkolesar]

throw some graphite powder into the key hole to help ease the friction, that may help and hold off replacement, for now. Unfortunately, I have replaced two ignition cores on separate 94 lwb's.