1990 Cadillac Seville Steering column assembly

I am trying to reassemble a steering column on my 1990 Cadillac Seville. I purchased a used column, from a local salvage yard. The components within the column were in good condition. I had to disassemble the column in order to replace the ignition lock cylinder, because the was not a key available. After I replaced the lock cylinder, I am not able to get the retaining plate to compress down, far enough for me to install the C-clip. (The silver one that holds the retaining plate, which compresses the spring. I am very sorry, I am not able to pay for an answer, I will certainly remember anyone that's willing to understand my situation? I have tried to use the tool, suggested in all of the maintenance repair manuals, to compress the plate. However it will only compress it down to about a 1/16th of an inch from clearing the slot, that the C-Clip is suppose to seat into.