I’m having trouble getting the collar back on. The one that has the key and the turn signal going into it. It actually didn’t need to come off to begin with, and now I’m having needless trouble getting it on. 
It seems like something is always in the way getting it back on. How to get the key lined up properly?
Are you talking about the split sleeve that has a long clip holding it together?
No, I’m talking the piece that the turn signal stalk and the key go into.
To get the key tumbler indexed to the ignition switch for tilt and non-tilt 1970 to 1974 columns (not sure about later columns as I do not work on them).
Remove the tumbler, you will see a circlip or snap ring, remove the snap ring, remove the washer and remove the brass gear.
you will see a rack in the bottom. push the linkage to the ignition switch all the way toward you.
You will now see a few teeth and a flat land area.
Replace the brass gear with the first tooth in the first groove and the lands on gear and rack touching. Put washer back on and put circlip on. Turn the Brass gear so the poinnty end is near the frist groove for the tumbler guide. Put the tumbler in and turn slightly until the tumble pops in.
I was actually meaning how to get the linkage that goes from the key tumbler to the ignition switch lined up with the ignition switch so everything works. I did actually get the collar back on properly now (I believe) and it seems like everything is lined up correctly. Thanks.