96 key stuck

hey all
trying to help my gpa out. hes got a 96 f-150 4x4 reg cab manual with the 6 cyl.
his key will not turn back and come out. we replaced the lock cylinder first and nothing. then tried the ignition switch hoping maybe something inside broke and wont let it turn back and that didnt do it. u can start it shut it off fine but the key wont come out and wont turn back to accesory. we messed with it and dont know what to try next.

Is the shifter loose? If it is, it may not be going far enough to allow the key to return to the lock position.

its a stick. and tried everything moved the wheel all over and the shifter from neutral and in gear. the only thing else is my gpa thinks the release behind the key used to stick out further but is not sure. is that replacable or have something to do with it