Steering column question

[nollid]

So this weekend I had an incident with my 1986 K10. The steering column lock activated, and after trying everything I ended up taking the steering column apart and replacing the ignition lock cylinder. Now it will work intermittently and unlock the steering column, but I have to keep messing with the key and lever on the right side of the column that releases the key. Hopefully this is making sense.

I was wondering if I can completely remove the locking bar in the steering column that goes through the locking plate, or is it a necessary component in the steering column? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Here is a pic of my steering column, I can get some more detailed pics tomorrow if needed.

[cjlinkster]

You could probably just remove the bar, but then again it would make it easier for someone to steal your ride. Part stores carry the metal link that connects the lock cylinder to the bar.

The best guide that I have found for working on the column is by a guy named Jazzman; just google 'Jazzman column rebuild'.

good luck