95 APV ignition rod/switch help

Ok..asking for some help on this one which of course, isnt covered in any manual or do it yourself stuff or even OEM part list. My step sons 95 Lumina APV wouldnt turn over with a new battery, so my Autozone guy said it might be the ignition swith..I dissambled the dash, steering wheel, and anything else, and removed the ignition swith, and there is a rod that goes from the key switch to the ignition switch. When I hook up the new switch and use a screwdriver to engage it..the van starts right up and purrs like a kitten, but trying to install the rod back into it is a nightmare..the rod in no way shape or form wants to go back inside the switch...and when you force it and push it back into the mounting slot, the key switch wont turn and wants to break off..so how in the world does this thing go back in ??? anyone else ever have this problem ??:screwy:

Hello Mitch,not sure whats wrong it should go in easily are you sure its going in right..
http://econtent.autozone.com:24991/znetrgs/repair_guide_content/en_us/images//0900c152/80/0a/b3/e7//medium/0900c152800ab3e7.gif

Im not sure, I tried to install it in all of the slider positions and the rod coming from the key switch just wont engage. I thought that the rod had broken off, but the rod appears clean and no shear marks, but I cant find any pictures or reference to the " rod" to make sure to see if it isnt broken off at the tip, but the way it is now, I cant find any possible way for it to insert into the switch and attach back to the steering column...

hi mitch,the rod should be connected at the top still is it.....if not you'll have to disasemble & reconnect.i've done alot of them,do to theft never seen a rod break all though its been awhile. maybe someone will know.i'll see if i can find a blow up of column area

Yes, the rod is still attached at the top, and still locks the steering wheel when engaged, it almost looks like there should be a piece that attaches to the actuautor rod that engages the ignition switch, as it is, its just bent at an angle as it was and there is no way its going back into the switch and mounting to the steering column. Should just slide in and mount..but this isnt the case, and its the correct part for the vehicle..very frustrating