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Message: <blockquote data-quote="MustangChris" data-source="post: 915241" data-attributes="member: 10830">we'll need pics.  i took off my 1996 wheel and it just popped right off (with a lot of love)  i didnt even bother using a puller.keep in mind your FoMoCo service manual specifies to use a new steering wheel bolt when re-assembly.  This probably wont matter for you because you pulled the threads out...anyways, post up pics. i dont understand why your shaft was involved at all.... the only reason to remove the shaft would be to change out the steering column.The only reason to change out the column is to change out your computer system or to replace the steering wheel without pulling it off the column.I suggest:removing your OEM column.drill and tap your threads.  Helicoil/timersert if needed.  Use a drill press if needed to achieve a straight drill.remove the cover from your 99+ column and place it on your OEM column (if you are changing colors or something.)place back into the car.  finger-tighten the column's mounting bolts.bolt up the steering shaft.  You may need to pull it into the interior of the car some.  It is a telescoping shaft, and extending it take a little work sometimes.if you have aftermarket headers, double check the clearance.if there is no header contact, bolt the column in to TQ.push on new steering wheel as far as possible by hand.TQ down steering wheel bolt to OEM specs.  be careful not to eff up your new threads.place OEM airbags on.airbags are year specific.94/95, 96-98, 99-04, 05....if you are using the new column (99+) for some reason, you will have to replace your airbag to match the wiring harness (99+).edit:there is a sticker on your 1996 column where the steering wheel sits.  it outlines the process to re-center the steeringwheel to ensure you are not binding up the internals of the steering column.   It says something along the lines of: "turn steering wheel to the left until it becomes firm.  from this point, turn it to the right three times. lock the ignition, it is now considered 'center.'"there are center marks on the steering column (triangle shapes) for you to know where "top" is.once the steering wheel is centered, make sure the ignition is locked.</blockquote>