Ford F-350 no crank, wont release key

Alright so I have a 1999 f350 7.3l. Let me start from
the beginning. My shift tube broke. So I replaced
that. Right after I finished fixing it. My ignition
cylinder got tight like it got instantly worn out. And
it won’t release the key at all. It’s stuck. I even
replaced the ignition cylinder. And still the same
thing.  To add salt to the wound. The truck will not
start unless I jump it from the fender mounted relay.
Which I have also replaced. As well as the starter
itself. It cranks strong from the relay. But it just
clicks like a dead battery from within the cab. I
pulled the ignition switch and tried manually
starting it by the lever. I hear the relays click but
nothing else. Fuse #20 is fine in case anyone is
wondering. I’m thinking it’s the neutral safety
switch. But I’ve already spent so much in possible
repairs that do nothing.  Could it be something
within the steering column making the truck think
it’s in gear and not releasing the key?