Ive ran into a problem. my trucks not wanting to start. and i mean actually engage the starter. if you put the key in and turn it turns power on. but when you turn to start it nothing happens.
Now if you shake the lock cylinder alot and wiggle and work it. it will catch and engage the starter and itll fire up. and then itll work fine for a few trys. come back 5 mins later. same problem.
things ive done that could be the problem? Ive started it without the key in the cylinder. I usaully leave it between run and lock. but the past few times( before problem occurred) Id put it back into lock position and itd click out when i start it.
also repaired a wire to the starter (which we thought was the problem at first.)
This is probably why buddy was eager to swap you trucks. Its a bit of a process to get to that tumbler to change it.
On the flip side all of these trucks at some point need to have their steering columns gone through especially if you have a tilt column.
Options
Go to the junk yard and find a column that is in good shape that fits your application----You may spend years doing this or you might luck out.
Have a professional rebuild your column. If it is tilt there are 2 bolts that need to be locktited into place at the bottom of column.
Buy a rebuilt one and install it your self. Really not the most difficult thing to do.
I dunno probably looking at the $500-$1000 range to have a rebuilt column either way at the end of the day.
http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php?topic=12525.0