Maybe a stupid question, but I replaced the ignition in my camaro and I am in the process of putting everything back together but i cant depress the spring behind the lock plate far enough to get the lock ring into its groove which is preventing me from getting the steering wheel on far enough to bolt it on. I did not use the lock plate removal tool to take everything apart, but I have a feeling i need it to push that spring back enough to put everything back together. Any answers would be great.

Yeah, you need the tool. It compresses the spring and holds it in place, so you can get the snap ring on.

I have this one, it works well:
http://www.outdoorpros.com/Prod/Allt...3?SSAID=204502

Yes its easier to use the tool but no it can be done to put it back on w/o the tool the problem though i think you ran into. the shaft where the steering wheel goes back onto is able to be pulled out and back in. if so then then the steering shaft is needed to be tightened with locktites. b/c you will notice once you put it all back together your steering wheel can now move in motion that its not suppose to. reason i say this is when your trying to push down on the blade looking thing can't remember the name since its 1am in the morning but its pushing the shaft back as well and doesn't give you the room to put the clip back in.