ignition switch

What chassis? Ford, Chevy, etc.

John Deere chassis
Ford engine

What do you mean by drops right into crank over position? Turn the key and it immediately cranks? When it does crank is the key in the same position as it always has been? The switch may have slotted mounting tabs so it can be adjusted, it might have moved.

Columns can be a pain to work on. Sometimes there are dash trim panels that can be removed, sometimes you can get at the lock just by twisting and turning, sometimes you have to drop the column down.

What does the plate look like around the key switch?
Also you can check out the thread I posted in IRV2 ( this was my GM chassis )
Ignition switch

when you put the key in the ignition and turn it,it should stop at one point . then you turn it a little farther to engage the starter.
This one don't do that,it goes right to the crank position,but,no contact.
I know there is a rod on the top of the column. it links the tumbler with the ignition switch.

The plate has like 5 bolts on the underside of the column.
Heads are approx. 9/16