Changing ignition switch - drop steering column ???

My E350 86 Econoline will not start (dead over a month now) - does nothing and I changed the solenoid. I believe the van is the same as an F truck in this area (steering column). Starter does turn over if I jump the solenoid. I have a sorensen s72 ignition switch and I'd like to see if that is the problem by just changing the ignition switch. I found nothing related in the econoline section but over in the F truck section I found that this switch is under the dash on the top of the steering column - they say to lower the steering column, then refer to a chilton to do this - I don't have a chilton - any idea how to go about lowering the steering column to change the ignition switch OR does the steering column actually need lowered ???? Sorry to jump this over to trucks but I have been looking for help in econo vans and not getting too much help - it has been down over a month. ++++ In searching about this problem I also see that there is an ICM (ignition control module) that goes on the distributor. So this part may be bad or the coil too but I have the ignition switch and would like to change that first to try to hopefully get the truck going. I do think of my van as a truck. IT does turn over - when crossing the posts on the solenoid. Any thoughts ??? PS - I do not have a wiring chart and knowing me it probably wouldn't help me. My helper nephew was called back to work so I have been on my own and not getting anywhere - a long time now.

I changed the ignition switch and now the red brake light to the right of the speedometer doesn't even light up - the key turns stiffer - jumping the solenoid doesn't even kick in the starter. ++++ When I took out the ignition switch - I did not see the rod that goes into it - I hope I can slip the rod in.

I got the rod into the ignition switch and the key turns ok but I still do not get the red brake lite in the speedometer that I got before changing the ignition switch - it still doesn't start.