Steering Column Repair: 1992 Chevy Cheyenne 4x4 steering column transmission lever

Question
Hello,
This morning, I attempted to engage the transmission by moving the steering column transmission lever to reverse. The first attempt was successful and I then placed vehicle in park. On the second attempt the lever shifted out of park but moved freely right to left and back without engaging any gears. The truck was in 4L at the time. I was able to shift the floor lever control which seemed to indicate the vehicle was in neutral. I place the column lever back in park and turned the vehicle off but the key would not return to the locked position. Started it up again and put floor lever in neutral then turned off vehicle and was able to remove the key.
Question: what's the issue and the fix?
Thanks for any advice.
Rob

Answer
Hi Rob:
I'm a little confused when you switch form the column shift lever to the floor shift lever.  Are you talking about the transmission shifter on the column and the transfer case selector on the floor, or do you have multiple shift levers attached to the transmission?

I think you are talking about two different shift levers (1st scenario)
If so, it sounds like the shift linkage from the column to the transmission is either maladjusted or has come apart.  That would explain why the shifter moved freely.
changing the transfer case (4 wheel drive selector on the floor)should not alter whether or not the key comes out.  that is all a function of the shift lever and the column.  

I would check under the hood to see if moving the column shifter is moving the linkage on the other side of the firewall that goes down to the trans.  that sounds like a good place to start for me.

Doug