Truck will start, but will continue running only if I hold slight clockwise pressure on the key.
Decided to go ahead and install new ignition cylinder (key switch on column) before dropping the column and installing new switch at base of column, just to see if this is the problem. After reading many comments about this, and not finding any hole on the outside to release ignition cylinder, I went ahead and pulled the steering wheel using a friend's tool. Common procedure seems to be to remove turn signal and various other items to access key switch. After staring at all the stuff inside the hub, I noticed a piece of white plastic with a slim copper strip held to the front with a small rivet. The strip seemed to fold under and behind the plastic which is held in place by a small phillips head screw. It is in the upper right quadrant of the steering hub, in line with the rear of the key cylinder. Just for fun, I unscrewed this and pulled it to the side and exposed the base end of the cylinder. The copper strip makes contact with a wide copper strip on the key cylinder. The good part of this is that after looking for a few seconds, I saw the access hole and release pin right in front of me. I took a small dia star drive screwdriver and pushed on the tip of the release shaft, and the cylinder popped right out. The access hole points slightly down, so you cannot push straight on, but mine worked anyway. Another sharp point tool with a slight crook on the end might work better for some trucks.
After installing, the key was still sloppy and still do not have power for the engine in the run position. I guess this means that the problem is either the linkage or the switch at the base of the steering column.
Anyone have any troubleshooting tips to avoid a lot of part replacement or time consuming steering column work? Can I loosen the 10mm nuts and adjust the ignition switch position without dropping the column, which I will have to do anyway if the switch itself is bad? Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Sorry about the long winded explaination about the key cylinder, but others might benefit from it.
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I don't know why you'd want to try adjusting the switch without dropping the column.

I suspect it's possible to do but would involve contorting your body in unnatural (or, at least, uncomfortable) ways and you'll have to operate on feel as you really won't be able to see much.

Dropping the column is pretty easy - remove the plastic trim panel at the base of the dolumn, then the four bolts holding it to the dash and it should then fall to your lap.

If you have an automatic transmission you'll have to worry about the cable that moves the gearshift indicator, I have never dealt with that before and don't know what the problems might be.

 

The cable indicating gear position on an auto can be easily disconnected. But, be gentle with it as it is old and the outside housing can break easily, although mine still works fine with the housing broken.

 

Okay, so I go ahead and drop the column. Doesn't look complicated. Mine is an automatic. Are you saying the cable should be disconnected BEFORE I drop the column?

 

Under the cover that goes around the top of the column there's a loop in the end of the cable that hooks over a peg that's on the shift lever mechanism. Gently remove the loop from the peg.

Then, remove the bracket screw (5/16") and slide bracket out of the slot. That should have the cable awa its outside housing free from the steering column.

 

Speaking of fragile plastic, this reminds me.... I really don't remember if it's necessary to remove the front bezel before removing that piece of trim under the dash but I suspect it is, else you'll end up breaking the plastic tabs on that trim piece.

I really don't remember, it's been too long....

 

And this might involve removing the wiper switch & headlight ****.....

 

Okay Gary; Thanks.

 

Do you have a tilt steering wheel?

 

Mine is not a tilt wheel.