Ok here's the deal about 2 months ago the car wouldn't crank. I had no juice at the starter on the small terminal when the key was turned to enough to start it. I jumped the small terminal to the larger and it cranked right up. So I replaced the switch on top of the steering column under the dash and then the neutral safety switch assembly at the shifter. It's been fine.
Until today, it wouldn't crank. Something is wrong in the column now, I can feel it with the key. The key doesn't have that "spring back effect" when you turn it enough to start. My bro had borrowed the car and he couldn't get it to start. I just went to where it was broke down and with enough fiddling, it started and I got it home. But while I was doing that, I noticed this new issue with the key/ignition part.
I read about a part that can break in the column that is between the ignition cylinder and the switch I replaced, back when I was troubleshooting my original no crank situation. So what I am hoping you guys can help me with, is what do I need to order to fix this in one shot when I take apart the steering column? Any links to this problem would be appreciated, I'm having trouble presently with the search on that. I know I need to borrow a tool from the auto parts for the column.
Luckily it's back at my house and it's not the only vehicle I have to get me to work, so it's not a huge deal on fixing it right now.

Thank you for any posts!

 

If memory serves me right, that "spring back" effect is in the ignition switch on the column switch you replaced. What is the chance your bolts loosened, and the switch slid out of adjustment? I can't think of anything that tended to break in the column without someone trying to steal it and breaking it.

Since the key turns, I would check the rod going to the ignition switch. If it is moving, then the switch adjustment.

 

Hmmm, interesting point. So there is a spring in that switch on top of the column that I replaced? If that in fact is what sends the key back to the "run/on" position, then that is most likely the culprit. I thought I tightened the screws down pretty good. Or the part is bad already(though that does seems unlikely).
Ok, thanks, I will check that first, instead of just tearing apart the column, I appreciate the post, could have saved me a lot of aggravation.
I will post when with what I find.

 

It was the new switch on the column. Screws were plenty snug and it was in place. The job is a kind of a pita. Part was probably made in China. Came from autozone.
Thanks again vbgod1