steering column replacement >:(

yeah im to where im getting quite frustrated, ive been working on this for about 2 days and getting no closer to getting finished. i have pulled the column out of my car and where it joins under the hood, it was quite snug. i had to give it hell to come out after unbolting everything. now, i am trying to put the new column in but because of the snugness i cant get it to join together. i have lubricated it, tapped the column with a hammer (not hitting hard, dont wanna break anything)

SO...

anybody else had this problem and have any suggestions on how to solve it?
thanks


UPDATE!!! I GOT IT DONE!!!! YAY!!! thanks anyway!

This is one of those times when pictures would be a big help.
Which part exactly is it that you can't get together?

If you still need help with that column, the piece that you are trying to get together is called the "Steering Knuckle Slip Joint".

To get that on there, there is a slot in that slip joint on one side of it, where the bolt goes through.

Take a large pry bar, and insert it into that slot. Beat on it with a large hammer, slightly driving the pry bar into the slot, carefull not to get it too stuck.

This will spread that slot, and the slip joint will slide onto the steering column easily.

Good Luck, and Hope this helps!