Pontiac Repair: lock plate doesnt go in Pontiac Transport 1993 3.8l, copper cylinder, pontiac transport

Question
I dismantled my steering column and got to the point I could remove the lock
cylinder. See similar pictures to what I got @ http://www.s10forum.com/forum/f135/1985-s10-truck-ignition-lock-
replacement-335962/
Now I can't put the lock plate back in. For some reason, the shaft goes back
and forth, and the inner part of the bearing assembly (copper cylinder) always
moves out when I pull on the shaft. What should I do?

Answer
Hey Pascal:

I looked tah the link you sent me and that is sort of like what you have in your van but a bit different.. From what I can gather from the picture you sent and the issue you are having you need the correct tool for the job. what you need is a lock plate tool. What it does is thread onto the top of the steering shaft and has to arms that plush down on the lock plate while pulling up on the steering shaft at the same time. also the bearing cup may need to be pushed down with a small flat bladed screw driver as you are compressing the spring under the lock plate. Hope that clears it up. Good luck :}