Ignition rack problem? (ignition problem has gotten worse)

[JacobSchni]

I saw this page when i was looking up solutions. First off i had it where when i turned my key my truck would not start on its own. but when i turned it and used plyers to pull the rod it would start. i figured i had to adjust the ignition switch, but im guessing its the rack now. tonight it wouldnt start. when i turn the key the rod doesnt move at all. The key just turns with out any resistance and noting turns on(radio, then the start postion) its just loose. I can still start it if i pull the rod manually, even without keys in. Then to turn it off i have to push the rod back. Would this be a problem with the ignition switch rack? Any help is great.

heres a post on a similar issue post i saw:
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s....php?p=6400520

[Dead Parrot]

Highest probability is that the plastic sector gear has stripped out. The failure to crank when other things work is common since that last tooth gets the most strain when you turn to start. It is also possible that pulling on the rack with pliers has caused it to fail as well. I would expect both parts to be bad now. I have had both fail. The gear three times and the rack once.

[JacobSchni]

can you buy them easily, like from a auto store or do i need to order them from somewhere like lmc truck?

[Dead Parrot]

The sector gears I purchased from a local Chevy dealer that has since closed. The rack was replaced by a steering column repair place that made house calls. They charged $80 for labor and a few dollars for the rack. That was many years ago. The repair guy also showed me the 4 screws inside the column that you need to tighten to remove some of the slop. I thought it was a good deal. It only took him about a hour to finish the job.

[JacobSchni]

I went to advanced auto and to get the rack the small mastic gear and that wire and screw its $66