BINGO! That sheds a lot of light. For starters, it didn't occur to me that the older 4 eye columns have 2 switches on the left side, one for turn signals and one for wipers, whereas the '87+ columns have just the one. Secondly according to that link you've gotta remove that switch to get to th bolts, which may be why i can't see them on my column. I did tighten the torx screws that are mentioned but that didn't remove any play in the wheel. I've also been wanting to get rid of my key button too so that's a good link! Hopefully tomorrow i can get back on this.