im finally getting power to car and I've got a column to replace my old one but I'm having problems with the lock cylinder. I pushed it in all the way but I can't get he screw to hold it in place all the way in without there being a gap between the lock cyl and column-also I can't turn the key to be back position to release it. Also when I hook the positive battery cable up with the lock cylinder in place the engine cranks nonstop. Any ideas?

 

Sounds like somehow you got the gear/rack out of time. Remove the cyl and try turning the gear with a pair of needle nose and see if all works properly.

 

Gear? Do you mean the price that the end of the lock cylinder connects to and turns?

 

does this sound like something with the column or could it be a wiring issue?

 

so I found out that out of two lock cylinders I had one was wrong and though j can get the other to fit it sticking out a little bit. Does anyone know where I can get a quality lock cylinder? One I bought from eBay and the other at autozone. Also I'm thinking the key won't release since the steering wheel is off.