Steering Column Lock Key Cylinder

Original lock key cylinder key can be removed,but you can still start the truck without the key being inserted. I replaced the lock key cylinder with a new after market. The new assembly works except the key won't release from the new lock cylinder. The only way the key will release is if you remove the lock key cylinder from the steering column. Also,the steering wheel won't go into it's locked position. Is the problem inside the steering column itself? Also the the on the column shifter won't go into park. Can you please tell me what would be the cheapest and fastest resolution to this problem? I was thinking about going down the junk yard and replacing the whole steering column assembly.