Last part holding the '71 steering column together

[-praisethelowered-]

I have to disassemble my 71 van tilt steering column to shorten it for better u-joint angles - an unintended consequence of installing a rack and pinion- Anyway I have it all apart except this one last piece that is like a brain teaser puzzle.

It called a "plate lock" in the diagrams and I removed a lock ring retainer and it is loose and will wiggle around but I can't for the life of me figure out how to slide, spin, whatever to get it off.

anybody have a hint?

[-praisethelowered-]

This document provided by member MalibuSS on another thread- the most detailed information I have seen-

http://www.crankshaftcoalition.com/w...ck_Rebuild.pdf

[pshepherd]

I am in the same process in order to get the firewall gasket ect on the column to get my column in. What did you have to take apart to get your gaskets on and off.