I removed the steering linkage in order to lower the steering column to change my ignition switch (3 times this pos breaks down).

Now, I can not put it back! no matter what I try, it doesn't slide in. I need to get my car to run for tomorrow morning

I tried to pry it a bit, but to no avail; I thought about oiling it, but then I'll get it all messy and it's going to be harder to manipulate it afterwards.

Any tricks / ideas would be very well appreciated

 

There is a "how to" on my Tech Page on replacing the switch by taking out the column. No need to remove any linkage, just the column. For it to go back on, you just have to line it up square. Be careful about prying. You don't want to collapse the steering column. Hope you haven't done that.

 

I had a hard time getting the steering linkage back together on my header install because I couldn't get it to line up to slide it back in. So I used a grinder on the edge of the opening on the female part and the end of the male part until I could get it started. Then a little hammering got it back together.