Steering column help

[kimb82]

I replaced the steering column in my 83 K5, and I can't get the steering wheel back on.
Please help.
This was my first time really messing around with a steering column. I got it in, then removed the steering wheel and all associated parts to replace the lock cylinder.

I don't know what all the parts are called, but when putting everything back together, I could not get the snap ring or locking ring back onto the column.
I messed with it for a while then got frustrated.
I then found out there is a tool to push down the plate far enough to get the ring on. So I picked up the tool, and I still can't get that damn ring on.

It seems like the entire column moves when I try and push the plate back on.
Are there any tricks to gettin the steering column back together?

Also can anyone tell me where I could find a wiring diagram!

 

[K85 Octane]

are the notches lined up on the lock ring? The vertical grooves in the shaft match the ring.

 

[kimb82]

are the notches lined up on the lock ring? The vertical grooves in the shaft match the ring.

Yes, the notches line up, and I can get the ring to go on a ways, but not far enough to put on the snap ring.
It seems like the shaft wants to move down when I apply pressure.
Is the shaft supposed to have a lot of play?

 

[K85 Octane]

no play
is the pivot "ball" joint between the two halves still good? The main shaft going down is bottomed out at the end with the bearing. Up top it's held in with the two bearings near the key cylinder. Then the lock ring. So (and I've only had one column apart in my life) I would look over the firewall end bearing, the pivot ball, and the two bearings up top.
Just a guess, sorry

 

[Fordum]

The last one I worked on, LONG time ago, the shaft did move up and down just enough to keep you from getting the lock ring in the groove. I had a friend, and he pulled up on the shaft with a pair of vicegrips while I slid the ring down.

Don't know if the play was normal or not, but the steering worked fine afterwards.