Steering Column Repair: steering column for 88 bronco full size, turning the key, looseness

Question
one thing is there is some slop in the column, and the other is i was turning the key and sounded like a spring broke and now it wont start or any spring back in the ignition

Answer

rack gears Hi Robert:
Most likely, the rack actuator broke.  This is a cast piece that actually pushes the rod up and down that works the ignition switch.  In order to repair this you will need to disassemble the upper half of the column including the tilt housing.  If you are unfamiliar with how these come apart, I would not recommend starting this project.  It takes my technicians (who have 10+ years of experience) about 1 hr to do this job. (I'm enclosing a picture of your part...it's the dark one in the center of the picture)
The part is about $8.00, the whole job should cost $125.
the tilt looseness is common and the only way to repair this is to replace the tilt housing and stand (that holds it).  Probably not worth the expense ($250-$300) if the parts are available.