Replacing column shift lever

Not really sure if this is the right place to post this.

I found a column shift lever from our local Pick n Pull that's much nicer than the one I have on my Dart. I've gotten the column apart down to the lock plate. How are people removing the roll pin on the lock place. I don't want to start pounding on it. Of course the manual calls for "steering shaft to lock plate pin tool #C-4113".

I wanted to see how others are getting that pin out without a drift and a hammer. I remember once seeing a tool like a c-clamp with a pin on one side and a V cut out of the receiving side but I think the shaft would be in the way for a tool like that.
Any help is appreciated.



On a side note, earlier this evening I couldn't get the bearing to release from the shaft so I made a home version of the "steering shaft removing tool #C-4044" with a regular gear puller and plumbers tape.

Here's my method of removing the bearing housing. Note the red wire insulation worn through. It runs to the flasher - nice to find on the off chance and get it repaired.

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