while repairing the lights on my 83 zx i made the mistake of taking off the spring clip which holds the stout little spring on the column below the steering wheel as it didn't see like the combo switch/stalk unit would come off otherwise. fixed the lights but now can't get the spring in place. anyone have thoughts on what to do for this.

It would be very helpful if you were to post a few photos of the parts in question.

Currently I have the steering wheel off of my 79 zx, I'll take photos of the column tonight when I get home and post them later on, if that would be of any assistance.

This is only a guess comparing your description with another column I have worked on.

The upper section of the shaft may have pushed the upper bearings out of the jacket slightly.

You may need to compress the upper bearing sleeves back into the jacket by a few mm to gain access to the circlip groove at the top of the upper shaft.

You may also need 3 hands to do it.

If I'm way off track, please disregard previous advice:cross-eye

thanks but need some kind of clip to hold it or I guess dismantle the whole column. i know right where everything goes but one of those impossible things to do.