someotherguy
Even more awesome in person
If you go somewhere that makes you buy the whole column, straighten the steering forward and tie the spokes of the wheel to the gear shift lever with stretch wrap, a whole lot of painter's tape, something that won't hurt the wheel - before disconnecting the column from the steering shaft or gearbox. You don't want the wheel position to change is the point. Install it this way and only remove the strapping material after it's connected to your gearbox. Uncontrolled turning of the wheel or it being not in the correct position on install can/will damage the clockspring. Think of it it this way: it's a long set of wires coiled up inside a ring; if you get it out of position and turn the wheel you will break it once it turns past its limit.
Richard
Richard