Coupling seal retainer

One of the best tips I ever got from a seasoned Chrysler service tech probably wont help at this point.
Of course pull the steering wheel and leave it in the car. Take the steering column to workbench.
Since this cover has a bottle cap like crimp, approach it like a bottle opener. Distort only 2 or 3 tangs, just enough to get under it and pop it off. Correct the distortion. It will pop back on like a bottle cap. Your collection of new covers go to the guy who wants to struggle with them.
One could take this concept a step further. Use a small file to add a slight radius to leading edge of coupling tangs so its more like the bottle neck.
The formed wire retainer is available separately at ebay and it can be installed under the hood.
It may be about the same price as the 3 piece offering from DMT. Good luck with it.