steering column shift lever removal

Is it a lock plate you are missing? The kind that takes the lock plate removal press to
remove and install the ring into groove on shaft. They were tricky and could be over looked.
That would prevent the steering shaft from pulling out the lower end of column.
Not sure what year they began the use of this theft prevention part.
I had to buy the special tool but it was inexpensive. Had two different sized tube sleeves
and can be used on Mopar and GM columns.