1994 Ranger with ignition lock cylinder stuck in lock position

[Nonstopmaximum]

Alrighty so I parked my 94 Ranger at home, took the key out, and tried starting it but now the key won't turn the ignition lock cylinder so my truck is stuck. My lock cylinder already had an issue where it could turn by itself without the key in but I could still start the truck with the key in. I grabbed a spare lock cylinder and key I got out of a 93 at the junkyard (wish I installed that sooner before this happened) and got to work taking off everything to get the bad cylinder out. Everything I read online says you need to put pressure on a release spot on the bottom of cylinder and have it in the run position to release it. I have a screw that can hit the release spot and wiggle the cylinder but it's still stuck on there because it's in the lock position. Is calling a locksmith my only option to get it out?

 

[rumblecloud]

When I replaced mine, I had to go up thru the underside of the column. I used a long narrow round file. From the images I took, It shows that the key is in the "ON" or "RUN" position. It's been awhile...

 

[Nonstopmaximum]

I made some progress tonight and finally got the dam cylinder to turn with the key in with some WD40 and got it to come out. The junkyard cylinder is a slightly different design but went in without a hitch only problem is it is a lot harder to turn the key to start the truck compared to the old one when it worked properly but beats not starting at all! Black is the broken cylinder and orange is the junkyard cylinder.

 

[Curious Hound]

There is a plastic rod that links the cylinder to the ignition switch, which is down closer to the base of the column. Make sure that rod moves easily. It might need a little grease.