Hello everyone. I'm in need of some help. It all started early the other morning when i went to leave for work. I put the key in the ignition and attempted to start it but something snapped inside the ignition and it would just spin and spin. I got a ride to work and when I attempted to fiddle around with the steering column bc i hadn't yet figured out that all i need to do was move that bar at the back of the steering column to get it running again. I swear to God, all i did was take two little hex bolts with aluminum tabs that fit into slots out and unscrewed the little **** that this cable was attached to. thats as far as i took it before i figured out what i really needed to do. So... i got it started, I put everything back on the way it came off, including the stupid little tabs. and now it wont go past reverse. i can't even get it into neutral. i've had people come over and look at it, we're all stumped. something must be binding up in there and i just don't know what to do. does anyone here have any advice or have any experience with this sort of thing? i basically created a problem attempting to fix another.

 

(Note: Not sure what year your truck is, My instructions are for an 87-91)
The key-lock mechanism has a little cast piece inside that breaks, effectively preventing you from starting the vehicle.

What you need to do is start at the top. Remove the steering wheel and get a look inside.
There are 4 Philips screws holding the horn button from the back. Remove them and then pry the horn rubber piece off.
Below that you'll see a big nut that holds the steering wheel on. Remove the nut, then use a bolt-type puller to actually pull the steering wheel.

With that out, you should be able to start to see what's going on, and just work your way deeper into things by removing each part as you go.

BTW:

I did the same sort of 'fix' on my truck when the key stopped working /correctly/. But mine's a stick as well, so no issues there.

 

OP's truck is a '58 Apache

 

what year truck you talking about? it sorta sounds like you are describing a 92 and newer shifter.