reviving an older thread...
I'm in the middle of this now, and this is the closest thing to a guide to disassemble a non-tilt column that I can find on the interwebs.
to add:
!DISCONNECT THE BATTERY!
1. take off lower dash. I know you don't want to but do it
2. unplug wire connectors(all attached to column under dash);
2a. big flat on pass side is turn signals, big flat on drivers side is wipers,
2b. behind wipers is a square one for high beams (has metal rod running into it on column side),
2c. on top are 2 square plugs for the ignition switch. may need to drop column first
3. remove steering wheel and lock plate, horn, turn signal cam. (dont take apart turn signal cam)
link to how-to on a different gm column but the same
http://www.hotrod.com/how-to/interior-electrical/56459/
4. take out all the screws holding the plastic housing on the column. I think there are 4, 5/16 head. the one on the top right is the lock cylinder. after that one is out put the keys in, turn to on and pull. it should drop out.
5. drop the column from the dash. you will have to unbolt the column from its little cradle as well.
6. THE RODS! you have three rods. everyone is jealous.
high beam rod : should just pull out when you remove the plastic surround
park-lock rod: has a little break point in the middle, metal ball in plastic socket. pop it out
ignition switch rod: fun stuff. you have to remove the ignition switch. there are 2 bolts, 5/16 head and one with a 3/8 keeper nut. these hold the ignition switch, park-lock cable keeper, and high beam switch to the column. you only need the ignition switch off but lucky you, it's on the bottom so they all get to come off.
to be continued