Recently, its been hard to start my truck using the key. I traced a bunch of wires and found that the ignition control is mounted on top of the steering column. there is a shaft that runs up the top side of the column (you can see this) and when you turn the key, the shaft gets pushed downward and must make contact in the box. Now i have to literally lift up on the steering wheel to start the truck; it must give it that little extra distance. Is there any way to adjust this connection or is this a new safety/ security feature?

 

The starting mechanism in these trucks remind me of a Rube Goldburg problem, see how many steps to get something accomplished. The key turns the ignition that is hooked to a gear that is hooked to a pot metal wishbone shaped piece that pushes a rod that activates the starter switch on top of the column. The wishbone piece of pot metal breaks and wont activate the rod. To fix it you dismantle the column starting with the steering wheel. The job isn't hard just a pain in the a$$ to do.

 

Or if you are in a pickle you can expose the rod and clamp a small pair of vice-grips to it and push them to start it. That wishbone has broke so many times over the years in my dads truck. We ran it with the vice-grips for over a year a couple times. Just don't forget to turn the key.

 

I have tried starting the truck with pliers before...just to see if it works. and i was contemplating putting a starter button in. i have one under the hood for working on it but i might be moving it into the cab! like i said though, if i lift up on the steering wheel, which raises the column a little bit, it works. can i adjust that starter switch at all? i can see it if i crawl in the foot well upside down. theres a picture for ya. i would like to keep the key but if its the wishbone, i might be SOL

 

the ignition actuator is the problem. rite now it is still working when you lift the column, but it will eventually break completely leaving you stranded. sometimes when it brakes, it will jamb the auto trans shifter in park.
you can adjust the switch though. it is held onto the column by 2 7/16 head bolts. just loosen the switch and slide it on the column.
the actuator is only around $12. it takes about 4 hours to put in.

 

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/8...-actuator.html have a look at the post by jas88 in this thread. As said previously you should replace the actuator.