89 cherokee lost all lights/radio/AC

just bought a 1989 Cherokee Laredo, ran great for 2 weeks. Only noticable problem was a lot of "slop" in the ignition switch. 3 days ago while driving, i lost A/C, radio, turn signals. i jiggled the key a bit and everything came back on. Yesterday - same problem, fixed by jiggling the key. Today, nothing works - no fix. I replaced the ignition switch and cylinder. Got rid of the slop but still no turn signals, radio or A/C. Strange thing is that everthing works great with the engine off and the key in ACCY position. Any ideas?

Do you mean the switch at the base of the steering column? You may need to double check it and make sure you had the switch in the correct position when you inserted the rod.

Check the connector too. Make sure it's on all the way.

Can you turn the key to all positions including Start?

update: replaced the key lock assy and cylinder, no luck. replaced the ignition switch down under the steering column....that fixed the original problem. Next day, no back-up lights or brake lights. I replaced the brake switch and they work now. Still no back-ups. checked the fuses and bulbs, they're ok. next step will be the neutral safety switch. Is their a common thread here or am I just incredibly unlucky?

the neutral safety switch is very expensive but many have fixed it by taking it out and cleaning it, there is a write here to follow. Although they are several problems, not related, they are very common for that year of cherokee. Download this link for the nss and also for the 88 factory shop manual, not an 89 but very close on most things.
http://www.lunghd.com/Downloads_and_Links/Downloads.htm