1971 dart replacing igniton need help!!

hi, im new to this site. i have a 71 dart that i accidentally put the wrong key into the ignition, and it became stuck. upon removal the switch was damaged and it wont turn. so i decided to replace it.

anyhow, im stuck. ive removed the steering wheel and the electrical fixture, but there seems to be a ball bearing that is preventing the bearing housing from coming off. so i cant exactly get to the switch. i am almost to it, and i dont want to force anything (moreso than i already have... the shaft moves around and even slides back a couple of inches... i dont know if this is normal.).

how exactly do i remove this bearing to get the housing off? the haynes manual i have doesnt have the correct diagram and isnt very descriptive. ive already removed a retaining ring, which was a pain.

ive attached a couple pics so you can see where im at. any help is appreciated.


steering wheel off


gap between bearing housing and lock housing (i think thats what its called? lol) this is on the column.