That’s exactly where I’m at now, waiting for Oriellys to get the pivot pin puller in tomorrow. They’re only 1.5 miles from my house but they have to get it from they’re warehouse.I was able to remove and install the locking plate when I disassembled the column on my '82 about 20 years ago. Wasn't strong enough when I did my '84 last year, had to get the tool.
Get yourself the Lisle 19940 pivot pin remover before you start the project to save time later.