[V8] Steering wheel removal question

[chris brown]

Hello, i have a 90 v8 and i'm replacing the head lamp switch mounted on the steering column.i have the pad off and the air bag out. I am looking at the large bolt that attaches the steering wheel to the shaft. 
Im stuck here. There is a little gold plate with a tab with some sort of fixture beneath it which is making it impossible for me to get a socket on it.
Before i bend anything or get frustrated i finished for the night and im asking for help on this. 
I deleted the repair manual accidentally  that someone from the list was nice enough to E mail it to me. and im stuck.
  If someone could give me a few pointers on finishing this job with out bending stuff having extra parts when im done. 
thanks so much guys
  Chris 1990 V8 (with a 4.2)