From the things that make you go hmmmm department. I noted in my other post that the ignition switch actuator linkage was giving me some problems. The real problem is what I ran into when putting the column back together in front of the ignition cylinder assembly.
Going from inside out on a non tilt column, there is the keyed ignition cylinder assembly, a lock plate/actuator assembly, star wheel that engages the lock, a spring, a bearing retainer, the turn signal contact assembly, and the steering wheel.
There is supposed to be a snap ring in front of the bearing retainer to hold all that in place, fits in a groove on the steering column shaft. I remember taking the snap ring out but since it was a month ago, I don't recall sequence.
Every bit of documentation I can find tells me the snap ring does in fact go in front of the bearing retainer. Problem is that the snap ring groove is 1/4" behind the bearing retainer when I have it all back together. It fits in front of the star wheel, not the bearing retainer.
This isn't rocket science, it's all error proofed and only fits one way, but I'll be danged if I can figure out why that snap ring isn't fitting where it's supposed to. the wheel splines align with the front of the column surrounds, everything in the assembly is snug and lines up, the bearing is set in the retainer groove, it's just that the snap ring is behind the bearing retainer. If I ever figure it out, I'll let you know.
If you've had one apart and done the same thing, let me know how you fixed it, okay? Since my son will eventually be driving it, I don't want to put it on the road till I figure this out.
Thanks