it's been a while since i have torn a column apart, but the black plastic trim had to come off, pretty sure the ignition switch needs to come out. the plastic knee panel and the metal one under it comes off. then there should be a good sized white plastic box, it has a wiring harness in it. that's where that rod goes. unbolt the wiring, then that box should unbolt. i think the rod is attached to that box, or when you unbolt it it will come out with it. if that doesn't work, post up some pics of that area and i'll look at them.

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