Steering Column Repair: 97 skylark steering column removal, bell crank, shift linkage

Question
I have to replace the steering column in my wifes 97 skylark, do I need any special tools and can you give me a quick run down on steps to do this? Older cars I am fine with, but I don't have a lot of knowledge on newer stuff like airbag connections and ect.
Thanks, Harv

Answer
Disconnect battery. Remove hush panel under dash. (Insulator cover. Remove lower dash under steering column. Its been a while, so I will tell you two different ways to remove the wiring. One is to disconnect the wiring at the bottom of the column under the dash. I do believe however you will need to follow the wiring to a bulkhead. Remove the 7mm (9/32)headed bolt and the wiring will seperate. Look at the bottom portion of the steering column closest to the dash for a clip with a string. That is the shift indicator. Slide the clip off if so equipped.
Under the dash near the firewall is a plastic boot on the steering column. Take a big screwdribe and slide through "U" joint in order to gain access to the pinch clamp. Remove the 11 mm bolt. Insert a screw driver into the side of the pinch clamp and spread it. Leave screwdrivers there. Rwmove the shift linkage. Should be a ball that goes to a bell crank. Whith even motion pry the shift cable away from the ball. Remove the 4 hold down bolts under the dash. Reverse procedure for install. The lower shaft only fits one way into the pinch clamp. If installed wrong, bolt won't go through. Tighten bolt at pinch clamp and remove screwdrivers.

Good Luck!