Ford Repair: 93 Ford Aerostar Shifter Assembly, negative battery cable, ford aerostar

Question
Do I need to remove the steering wheel (airbag) to replace the shifter assembly inside the dash that broke off. Also how do I get the silver key thing off.
In the process of removing the dash now

Answer
Going by memory here...  The airbag should not have to come off, just take the two plastic covers offf the top/bottom of the steering column.  On the trucks which should be nearly identical, I have had to remove the knee panel and bolts that hold the steering column to the dash, and lower the column carefully to get at the broken parts.  I like to replace the plastic shifter shaft bushings while I'm in there since the looseness helps the shaft break in the first place. I can't picture what the silver key thing could be, if you mean the key cylinder, I don't think that has to be removed. Don't forget to disconnect the negative battery cable before doing any work around the airbag!! Hope this helps,
Jason