column/key issue

When I got my '78 last year the gear in the column was stripped and the PO left the ignition switch dangling and a screwdriver was required to move the switch to make it crank and run. It worked fine but was obviously a nuisance.

About 6 months or so ago we tore the column apart and replaced the worn gear(s) and put it back together...until a week ago it's been working fine.

Now one of the gears inside the column is broken again.

I really don't want to do the same work again just to have it break again in 6 months.

I know I can replace the column but I am not really wanting to do that right now either.

Is there something I can put in there (gear wise) to hopefully be strong enough to last? The 'kit' I bought from Napa seemed better than stock...but I guess not.


I have thought about making it a pushbutton start but can't use the key to turn the jeep 'on' due to the gear being broken and causing the switch to go too far...not far enough...or get hung up. If I could figure out how to run everything from a switch instead of the key and then make the starter pushbutton activated...??

THe switch itself seems to be fine.

Any help is appreciated.