Question about ignition/column issue.

[Lonesome7.3]

I have an 88 F250 IDI. I have had some trouble starting it. it sounded like a bad connection. I flipped the ignition a few times until it caught and the truck started. I was planning to address it when I finish working on the wife's F250. Now both trucks are down.

I tried to start the truck yesterday. When I turned the ignition I felt something give. The cylinder turns freely with no resistance. All the accessories come on but the truck will not start. I thought the cylinder broke. The old one came out with no problem and looks great. The new one went in with no problem but did not fix the issue. I am pretty sure I broke something in the column. I have never dug into a column from this model or year. It looks like I have to go through the steering wheel to access what ever is broke. Any ideas or input on this?

 

[Clb]

Search on here ...
There is a rod down to the electrical switch part, it likes to fail.
Also some effing part behind the cyl.(keyswitch part) that goes out.
It pops loose or some chitt.
I had the same issue with my 88.

 

[shawn deere]

Could be ignition switch. It connects to that rod that goes down the column.
To drop the column on a '90 pull trim off. Two bolts hold it up. 5 bolts go to fire wall. Two elect plugs. Steering shaft will just slide apart. I can have it out in 9 min but ive done it a few times

Then you can see the ignition switch box is mounted on the top of the steering column. About 2/3 down. Like $10 to replace. Could be something in there crapped out or it can slide up and down to calibrate to the key switch