Shift lever spring install

[crazeetxn]

On my '86, the spring broke a while back. Finally got around to getting another one and tried to install.

As I was taking what was left of the old one out, of course, it fell into the housing. I can see it when I tilt the steering wheel up and it doesn't seem to be bothering anything...yet.

So now that I have it out (of where it goes), I'm trying to get the new one in. I was able to somewhat get it where it goes, but it seemed to require a little more force than what I was comfortable with. Didn't want to break it and have it sitting next to the old one.

Should this thing just pop in? Am I going to have to disassemble everything to get it in? Is it accessible by removing the ignition?

Thanks for any advice ya'll can provide!

[crazeetxn]

Has to be something simple that I'm overlooking. Can't find anything about it anywhere though.