Key not engaging. Steering column?

[RvaRat]

Picked up an 82 K5 few weeks back. Key has felt gummy/jammed when turned. Hard to turn, sometimes hear clicking like gears skipping inside. The other day I couldn't get it to turn the truck off, wound up having to stall it out. Now when I turn the key there's no resistance at all. Like it's not turning any internal parts anymore. Lights and blinkers come on but won't engage the starter.
A mechanic recommended just sourcing a whole steering column. I have an 82 non tilt manual trans column, which he says is rare?

So... is it worth trying to open it up to diagnose and replace individual parts or just replace the whole column? Can i swap a tilt column in to a non tilt truck? Having trouble finding any parts online so any help/info is greatly appreciated

 

[Bent77]

There’s a geared cam behind the key, and a rod that runs down just above the pedals to a sliding electrical switch

get a flash light and see if the rod is in the switch. If so, probably needs either the cam gear or lock cylinder

All fixable if you get a steering wheel puller and take a few hours

only time you need a column is if it wobbles like a dog crapping a pine cone

 

[HankScorpio]

Try and fix it. A good column from a wrecker is going to cost you a few hundred bucks these days. Most of the columns have wear at this point, finding a good one is getting a lot harder. Part of the trouble is there were a lot of different versions. Yes, a tilt column will fit where a non-tilt was. Early trucks had wipers on the dash, later ones have wipers on the column, manual and auto are different, cruise control etc. Lots of changes like that make finding a properly equipped column in good condition pretty difficult.

 

[Venanzi85]

I sent my steering column for my 77 last month to Steering Column Services out in CA they did a really good job replaced all bearings/races/knuckle/yoke granted I purchased all the parts thinking I could do my self but just sent it to them anyways I was able to break everything down for them I tightened the tilt column bolts tighten those thinking that was it but nope needed all new bearing and internal parts. Now it’s practically brand new.

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[6872xtc]

I think that the straight columns are the easiest to work on. The lack of an automatic shifter is even easier, but the safety lever on the side can take some investigation to make it work nicely if you haven't ever worked on one.
I would plan on a new ignition switch just for good measure as they can get worn contacts and the lack of lubrication just wears them out.

That rebuild place may be a great option, though.

I have fixed a tilt column in a parking lot that did the same thing as yours, but I have parts on hand. So don't get overly intimidated.