(1985 with tilt/telescoping steering wheel) with as much detail as I can muster at this time of night; After installing a new cylinder lock in the column I was attempting to put the snap ring back in front of the lock plate with the lock plate compressor. While compressing, the shaft pulled out from the steering column. I can put the shaft back in the column but it just slides in and out not giving me a place to use the plate compressor. I can muscle the lock plate without the compressor and even though I can push it all the way back with the spring compressed it is still a tad short of the start of the snap ring valley, so something has moved or it needs the pressure pulling outward on the shaft to give it the extra 1/16" I need.
am I missing something that belongs on the shaft. Something that went missing when it came apart. My book calls the shaft a "bolt and spring assembly" it has a small rod down the center and a key that fits in the end to keep it in line and not twist, I don't see a spring. (except the spring that goes under the lock plate). I'm also not sure what the small rod down the center of the shaft is doing or not doing as the case may be.
I had no trouble taking the snap ring off, shaft held the pull from compressor fine.

 

its been so long since Ive done this I cant remember,the rod is part of the tele jobber.Id have to see some pictures.If you posted this over in the Tech section most likely you would get the right answer.

 

Thanks, I'll give try.

 

Put the shaft in the rod, and put a small screw in the end, loosely so as not to harm the threads (the adjuster bolt won't fit under the tool).The screw will push into the rod when the tool is tighened down on it, locking the rod in place. You may have to put washers under the legs of the tool to give you enough motion.

 

Got it thanks for the help, cheers.