Help with steering column parts

[anwat]

I decided to rebuild my tilt steering column, which I believe is out of a 1986 suburban. I ran into a little bit of trouble and have an unidentified part. I need to figure out where this little leaf spring came from. As I took off the sleeve that houses the key tumbler, it seemed to fall out from the passenger's side of the column. I looked at a bunch of videos and combed through the posts here but can't find out what it is or where it goes. Any help would be appreciated. I was trying to put the high beam switch rod in place when I heard it fall out from the other side.

I also need some ideas on how to cover the push rods for the high beams and the ignition. The sleeve that covered them had to be cut off during a trail repair. Wish I would have thought that through a bit more, since I can't figure out how to get a new one on without completely breaking down the column way more than I want to. I need to cover the area between the two red arrows...anyone know of a two part cover for this area? Or some other way I can cover those rods? I thought I remembered someone making a clamp on sleeve as an anti-theft device for monte carlos in the 80's, but I can't find one now.
Yes, I have considered a new column from one of the many vendors out there, but the prices they are charging make me suspect they aren't of the highest quality.

 

[dyeager535]

Can't help with much, but the clamp on style security products cover the upper "bowl" area (piece that houses the lock cylinder) so wouldn't help you out unfortunately.

 

[nvrenuf]

I'd get another sleeve, cut it in half, install it and super glue it back together. I know it sounds ghetto but it's better than the exposed column and linkage. It would at least work until you figured something out.

 

[6872xtc]

I believe that the little spring goes under the rack that the ignition rod attaches to. At least that's what I think I remember..

 

[anwat]

Can't help with much, but the clamp on style security products cover the upper "bowl" area (piece that houses the lock cylinder) so wouldn't help you out unfortunately.

I'd get another sleeve, cut it in half, install it and super glue it back together. I know it sounds ghetto but it's better than the exposed column and linkage. It would at least work until you figured something out.

That's the plan now, except I was thinking electrical tape instead...it would be harder to break but I could get it off if I needed to....

 

[anwat]

I believe that the little spring goes under the rack that the ignition rod attaches to. At least that's what I think I remember..

under the serrated part? I was thinking it may go under the key cylinder to pop the ignition back out when you push it in to go to the "accessory" position. I'm looking for someplace it might fit, but don't see a place.

 

[Fastereddie]

It could be part of the key “in” buzzer contact.

 

[6872xtc]

under the serrated part? I was thinking it may go under the key cylinder to pop the ignition back out when you push it in to go to the "accessory" position. I'm looking for someplace it might fit, but don't see a place.

Well I was thinking under the serrated part, but you may be correct about the key lock. I have done enough of them, I should know, but memory is lacking right now.

 

[Wes Harden]

It is part of the buzzer switch IIRC there is another piece that goes with it

 

[Wes Harden]

there is a square hole in column upper bowl, just below the turn signal switch, near key cylinder, lower left of key cylinder boss.. the buzzer switch (white part) and spring go in this hole straight down, together.

 

[anwat]

And there is the answer. I knew someone would know! I didn't have the white plastic piece in mine, I think someone before me removed it so the buzzer wouldn't work, which is nice. I think they left the spring in there, and it fell out when I was jiggling things around. In several of the videos I watched, they took the plastic piece out, called it a clocking spring, but no one ever mentioned the spring part. I also noticed the pin to lock the wheel was cut flush below the lock plate, so the wheel wouldn't lock. I'm assuming no harm would come from leaving both pieces out as it goes back together? Thanks again!