So.. I tried ordering the parts HDR recommended.. and briefly described the problem I was having, in the order.
They responded
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"Reading your notes, we don’t think these parts will help you much. They are simply 2 gears that move linkage up and down the column. Your description sounds like an electrical problem, not a mechanical one. When you turn the key, you are moving gears that pull a rod that goes into the ignition switch located on the outside of the column above your ankles. That switch is what sends the connection to the starter, not the gears. The plastic click sound you hear is most likely the ignition switch making better contact once you ‘jar’ it by hitting the column. If it was my truck, I would :
1. clean the battery terminals
2. check the connection at the starter
3. replace the ignition siwtch (the electrical box, not the key and lock cylinder). You can buy that at any parts store near you."
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To which I replied..
"The plastic-click I hear on the left side of the column is a recent development, and happens now Every time I turn the key.. (when it first happened the key-turn was difficult once and also, same time it began, Left-turn signal was a little sticky (pull towards me to make lever move correctly) for a little while- but has resolved - which also led me to think steering column part.)
I'm not sure how, when it makes that 'near-dead-battery' starter *click/clack* sound, and doesn't turn over- how roughly tilting the steering wheel will 'fix' it temporarily, if it is the ignition box or battery connection." and thanked them for their info and help...
Looking at images like this one -
http://www.texas4x4.org/gallery/albums/1983-K5/Column.jpg (typical steering column diagram..) Makes me think HDR is on the right track.. something in the ignition actuator and/or pivot point or something has begun to fail.. cracked, but not broken.. yet
Hence the jostling the wheel/column temporarily fixes it.
I really want to fix this before heading for RTR.. it may critical fail at the worst time..