1986 C10 Ignition Sw Control Rod

Ignition switch on the column is bad. Trying to replace. The slot in the switch for the round control rod (from the ignition switch rack down to the switch) is parallel to the column surface. The actuating rod is sticking up at 90 degrees to the surface. I can't install the new switch... it's 90 degrees off. It's as if the rod rotated 90 degrees counter clockwise when I removed the original switch. The rod seems to move as it should by turning the key. Anybody have any experience with this? I have the factory service manual- it is no help.