Ignition switch diagnosis and install

My truck started giving me problems no crank no start issue but my quick fix was to go bam bam on my steering column any time that it clicked and would not start and it would start right up. Now whatever issue I was having has evolved into a larger problem where the bam bam on the column does not work anymore. Now sometimes the truck starts right up once twice, three times, but then say I go to the gas station turn it off come back out and I am stuck in traffic there there is just nothing. I have all of the power to my headlights, gauge, s etc, Ia m wondering if this sounds like and ignition switch? I went and bought the part and now all I have to do is tear into it but before I did so I was wondering if anyone has had a similar problem and could help me with some advice?

I spent the morning dropping the steering column and replacing the ignition switch. Started with a grind and. Then back to nothing. Now I am thinking starter or solenoid. Ugh, do not know.