Key cylinder lock/ Ignition switch Replacement

[mcm51]

My key cylinder lock has been on the sloppy side for a while now and I'm about to swap it out, while I'm in that area I'll go ahead and swap the ignition switch while I'm there, I also want to get a REAL good look at that actuator pin ( I call it a rod) AND the three small parts located between the lock cylinder and the actuator rod, I have all the parts on the shelf except the 3 small parts between cylinder and rod which I can get if need be....I'll be getting into this project pretty soon, I've done plenty of cylinder locks and ignition switches in the past, but never replaced an actuator rod OR the 3 small pieces between the cylinder and the rod, so if any member has any tips on swapping those two as far as watching out for proper rod placement and correct rod lubricant, I'm all ears...................

[mcm51]

**UPDATE** It looks like I got that ignition switch out just in time, when I unplugged it I could see two small burn marks on that plastic piece between plug and switch, after removing the switch and checking function with my hands, it did'nt feel right to me, was not sliding proper and that switch was a motorcraft part that I just put in about 5 years ago, but a loose cylinder lock was probably not helpful over time.......The cylinder lock I had ready to install, must be the the wrong one, no matter how much I pushed and wiggled it would only go in about 80% and hit a brick wall, like it was having trouble getting into the cylinder lock gear itself, I've got another one on the way......As far as the actuator pin and cylinder lock gear, they looked in pretty fair shape, a lot better than I thought they would, so they will stay for now.......Overall, with just replacing the switch for now, turning the key already has a better feel to it..

[mcm51]

**UPDATE** I swapped the key cylinder lock out yesterday with a Standard US176L part that I got from rockauto, it went in like butter, no problem there at all.........Looking into why my first cylinder lock would'nt work, it appears that one goes to a newer Ford, 1997 or newer............
Overall, turning my key feels like it did back in 1995, snug, tight and firm................