On my f350 the previous owner by passed the ignition switch for some odd reason and added a toggle switch to engage the starter. Was there a problem with the ignition switch on these old trucks? How to fix?

 

my 150 was that way when i got it too, i think that's just because the clutch switch was worn out and with the bypass you could crank the starter any time wether ignition was on or not and wether or not it was in gear

 

^^^ What he says.
However it could be that the ign switch has moved adjustment on the steering column (bolted to column under the dash). You could check that and maybe try adjusting it.
It could also be that the gear teeth on the actuator (behind the key switch) are bad and not moving the rod that connects to the ign switch enough.
It could also be that the ign switch itself is bad, you could check that by moving it manually while trying the adjustment.

 

Switch moved adjustment? I wonder if it could be the clutch switch. My rangers went out and I couldn't start it

 

Well fixed the prob. Turns out it had a blown fuse. Now I have keyed start, speedo, miles, abs, radio, from replacing one fuse.