Some good ideas here. Here's what I have done. First, I use a harmonic balancer puller. Had to do a little grinding on it to make it narrow enough for the GM bolt pattern and bought two grade 5 bolts to do the work.
Always leave the nut on the column, flush with the shaft end. This keeps you from messing up the threads. Apply some good penetrating oil to the splines, I prefer Kroil or PBBlaster.
Install the puller, running the bolts in as far as possible, but leaving the ends in the puller even. If your puller does not have a swivel on the shaft, place a greased washer between the puller shaft and column end. If you do have a swivel, oil it. Also be sure the threads on the puller shaft are oiled.
Start turning the shaft. If the wheel acts like it will be a tough pull, add more penetrant and allow it to soak overnight if possible. Take your 2 lb hammer and tap the end of the puller shaft. Firm, but not hard whacks. Usually this will loosen the splines.
If it's still stuck, heat is next. Use a fine tip on the torch, heating only the wheel hub. Keep away from the horn plunger. Sometimes applying pariffin to the splines will help here.
I have never had one refuse to release using these methods. If you do strip the threads in the wheel hub, go to the next size and tap both holes.
One last thing, when I re-assemble a steering wheel, I apply anti-sieze to the splines, keeps me or the next guy from having all these problems.
