86 2.8 starting issue

[Monte71]

Hi! I recently bought a 86 2.8 4x4. Bought not running and column was messed up. Starter solenoid was bad so replaced starter. Tried to replace the rack and gear in column but previous owner damaged all of it so badly. So I took the ignition switch off the column and used a screw driver to start it. Started every time doing that. Bought a used column off eBay put it in and now starter will not disengage will keep turning the engine over even after the key is fully in the off position. So I pulled the ignition switch off used the screw driver again to switch it and again starter stays engaged until I unhook the battery. Swapped ignition switch with another used one and then a new one and again does the same thing. Replaced the relay on the fender and no change. I have cleaned the contacts on the ignition switch wiring again no change. Pretty stumped on this one. Considering the day before it was doing just fine before putting in the column. Could new starter have went bad oddly at the time I swapped the columns?

Edited yesterday at 12:56 AM by Monte71