Key cylinder will not lock or release key

[fred_e81]

A nub with a question. Recently purchased a 79 stepside with a manual 3 on the tree converted to a 3 speed floor shifter. Still has the original column but no shifter. The key tumbler will not go back to the lock position and stays in the acc on and will crank the engine. I guess this is why the battery keeps draining. I replaced the lock cylinder but that didn't help. Could it be that the original 3 speed column is somehow not in a position to let the tumbler lock in place (neutral). Also, the sleeve on the column with the turn signal moves freely. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I thought about buying a used floor shifter column but, if mine can be easily fixed, I would rather just go that route (budget). Please keep in mind that I am new to this scene so you might have to dumb down your replies so that I can understand. Thanks in advance!