I'll try to explain. It's really easy actually. the only thing you need is some security torx bits.
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I've labeled the parts in my picture. sorry did it quick in paint. Anyway, I labeled the spring loaded tab on the lock cylinder. if you have the ignition half way turned you can push that tab in and pull the cylinder right out with the key.
You can see the labeled metal plate. this simply goes on the bottom holding everything in place. The spring if you follow my jagged lines goes over that little nipple and sits in the recessed part of the plate. This adds spring action to the actuator.
Once you remove the column shroud the whole multifunction unit just lifts off. It isn't bolted down or anything.
There is one security torx screw holding in the ignition switch. Once you remove this screw, the igntion switch and actuator just pull down and then you have it out.
I wish I would've taken a picture of how these two things go together, but I was too excited to get it done I guess. I didn't see a way of getting the actuator out with taking the ignition switch apart. That's when a spring went flying out and I said the hell with it and bought a new ignition switch too. Basically there are plastic tabs on the actuator that snap into the ignition switch.
I hope this helps others. that's why I did it and I can't stand hanging threads. Seems to be plaguing the 04's so you may want to just keep an actuator on hand if you can. I've seen them as low as $25 online. they are $40 at Napa.
Its not hard to get familiar with the column. Just remove the plastic shroud around it with the two torx screws that are recessed. You don't need the security bits until you need to remove the metal plate and the ignition switch.
