86 El Dorado - Starting problem!

I've been looking all over the net trying to find info on my Cad. No luck till I found this site. I need to get my 86 going and moved stat. I'm what some would call a shadetree mech., but I know Murphy well (an he scares me!)<g>.
Someone moved the car last (year) and now when I turn the key there is nothing. No start of course, but no friction/positions like acc or run. It will lock the steering wheel, and the key turns around to start, but otherwise "loose".
I've jumped the car and nothing. No click etc. I guess the buzz I hear is the fuel pump going.
Anyway, can someone narrow this down for me as I'm confused as to which part is bad. The ignition lock/key? The switch part? Something else?
I'm also a bit confused as to how difficult these are to replace. I have photo- copied a page out of a Chilton manuel for guidance but am still somewhat leary of tearing into the steering wheel etc.
Hope someone can assist!!!

Can you turn the headlights on while connected to the jumper vehicle? If so you are at least getting power and first guess would be a bad starter solenoid. Can you get under and give the solenoid a couple of sharp raps with a hammer?

Yes, I have lights although they have been kinda screwy for some time; difficult to turn off with switch. The starter. I tried to find it to do a voltage check but at the time was unsure where it is. At any rate, my first problem is the ignition switch. Next time I get the chance, I will try to see what will operate when I turn the switch to acc or run (with a jumper battery hooked up. BUT, I don't feel anything when I turn the ign switch. No friction in the key; no stops as you turn. Which part would cause that. I've heard that it could be the rack and pinion down towards the bottom of the steering wheel; I hope not!
There is a spring that returns the key to run after starting the car. Where is it? In the ignition/keyed portion? How about the electrical part.

I'm hoping that someone out there can get me on the right track on r/r these before I get lost unnecessarily in the steering wheel/column. Thanks!

The actual ign switch assy is at the bottom of the steering column, lots oflalrge wires going into it, easy to see.