Steering Column Repair: Broken ignition components, ford f150 4x4, turn signal switch

Question
I have a 1990 ford f150 4x4 pickup with manual transmission. don't know if it's tilt or non-tilt wheel. if it has tilt then it's broke, but thats not my problem. the mechanism between the ignition cylinder and the ignition switch push bar is broke. i have to use vise grips on the push bar witch is on top of the steering column to start and stop the truck. i'm about to open up the column but don't know if i can get these parts, or should i buy a used steering column. witch i didn't want to do. i did buy a steering wheel puller and i'm ready to do this job if possible. thanks for any help.

Answer

rack actuator Hi Jim:
The part that broke is called an ignition rack actuator.  It's a cast piece of metal that pushes the rod when you rotate the lock cylinder.  I have enclosed a picture of what you want and my company does sell these.  http://www.stolenandrecovered.com
The part is "Rack04" listed here and sells for $16.23
http://stolenandrecovered.com/parts2/rack.php

Here are the instructions for replacing that piece.
1) remove the horn pad
2) remove the steering wheel
3) remove the 3 screws for the turn signal switch
4) under the dash and column disconnect the turn signal wire connector
5) pull the turn signal switch up about 3 inches to give you room...you do not need to remove it
6) remove the 3 screws for the steering column outer housing
7) remove the lock cylinder (turn to on and depress the release pin under the lock
8) remove the housing
9) remove the snap ring from the center of the column shaft
10) remove the tile spring (it's hard to do so be VERY CAREFUL)
11) remove the two pivot pins on the side of the tilt housing
12) remove the tilt housing (catching the gear mechanism that drops)
13) part of the broken rack is still in the shift tube (on top)...with a right angle pick, slide the long piece up and remove it from the tube
14) DON'T LOSE THIS PIECE...remove the roll pin holding the rack actuator to the rod
15) reassemble
16) putting the lock cylinder back in sync is the hard part.  You will need to remove the snap ring and bear from inside the housing and reset all of that to the correct timingh or you will not have all the positions ACC, OFF, ON, START

If you are not comfortable doing this, don't start it.  Otherwise, Good luck
Doug