Sounds like an issue with the switch or the switch installation. The lock plate should hit the lock mechanism surface before anything else. Is it the correct switch?[/QUO
Update
The steering problem is solved. When I took the ignition switch out to compare with another new one and the original, I found that it was the right switch, but under the screw mounting holes there was ridges from it being made. The ridges made it stand up too high and rub on the lock plate. I just filed the ridges off, used a caliper to make sure they were the same thickness and it works great now. Nice and smooth. I can't believe that I missed that when installing, but apparently I did. Thanks Beekeeper for your responses. I should have taken pictures of the ridges but I never thought until now. We will put the column back in today and should be back on the road.