And stop buying unrelated parts, at least for the moment greenmonster. New stuff might help, but it often makes it worse because the quality of today's parts can leave you thinking that you've fixed one thing, when in fact you've added another fault.
First, there is nothing in the steering column or wheel (usually) that can kill power to the vehicle.
Second, there is nothing in the headlight switch that can kill power to the vehicle.
Also nothing in the ignition switch that can kill power to the rest of the vehicle.
And lastly there is nothing in the fuse panel that can kill everything.
Yes, the ignition switch could cause things like the heater to stop working, but not the headlights. And vice versa...
So go back to the basics. Is this all stock wiring? Sounds like it from your description, but wanted to make sure.
I don't recognize that wire in your pic, but it's very small and my eyes aren't what they used to be! Can you take it again, or upload a larger version of it? You said it's Black w/grey (but likely faded)?
The main things that can kill the whole power to the vehicle are four:
1. Main positive battery cable to the starter relay.
2. Main ground cable to the engine. But if the secondary one to the body is intact, things would still work. Make sure you have both.
3. The fusible link on the larger Black w/yellow (might be just black, or black w/red depending on year) can be blown. Check it for puffiness and discoloration.
4. The same Black w/yellow wire behind the instrument cluster's ammeter has a connector that might have come apart or gotten rusty.
Did you disconnect the battery when working on the wheel? One thing I can think of that messing with the steering wheel area could have caused this would be if you shorted something out and it blew the fusible link.
Normally, nothing in the column is this heavy duty, but who knows what all has been done over the years.
What year is your Bronco?
Thanks. Good luck!
Paul
