hey guys,
when i go to start my truck, everything is normal untill i turn the key either nothing happens or i continue to hold it and finally it will start. the harder i turn the key it seems to start and i know it's not electrical, i think it has something to do with that little rod on the left side of the column that moves in when you turn the key ? any ideas?

 

I believe that rod runs down to a switch further down on the column under the dash. I had an 86 gasser that I replaced it on. There may be some adjustment there but I'm not sure.

 

Hes correct, the switch itself is under the dash, the part in the coluhm is just the key part. The switch can be loosened and slid to adjust it.

 

Is the 1990 diffrent from the 1991?

Asuming your Park/ Neutral safety interlock switch is working properly
it sounds like your ignition switch is worn out on the start position.
Also if you have a tilt wheel, try it in diffrent tilt positions.

Are you sure of where the switch is? When I had a starting problem and the ignition switch melted it was right behind the key. If you put your hand under the top of the steering column the switch is in there it is between the turn signal stalk and where you insert the key, behind the halo ring if you have one.

When you replace it you will need a torx security bit to remove the switch. If you cannot find one you can break out the center pin and use a regular torx bit.

Unless yours is different from what I have 1991 with tilt I cannot think what the rod would be for except maybe the interlock or part of the tilt assembly.

The old Fords had the switch at the base of the column and a long rod to actuate it.
Jim