If I remember right there's like a rack and pinion deal in there with a spring loaded button that pops into a notched plate that is splined to the main column steering shaft. Maybe you got it a tooth off.
Check the blower motor health. High amp draw will fry stuff.
Resistor sometimes takes the plug out with it.
Part pictured appears to be the plug and pigtail assembly.
The last set of bfg's (original AT KO) I bought was for the ol 84 k10. 32-11.50-15. It made that truck drive like a new one. Was a beast in the snow and off-road and very seldom had to get out and 'lock in the hubs'.. Remember those days? Lol
Me too, I always thought gm should've used a tpi in trucks instead of the Corvette and Camaro. I scooped one up about 15 years ago complete with a new 'painless' harness and it's just been sitting.
This one is good to the 10th of December: 7082274662091814
Also, RA keeps us updated in this thread: http://www.thetruckstop.us/forum/threads/rockauto-com-discount-code-for-parts-more-expires-december-14-2017.46657/#post-543902
Traditional sandblasting will warp sheet metal like a potato chip, or at least the commercial duty stuff. One could use a pressure pot style blaster but it gets real messy and takes bout as long as using strip wheels on a drill or whatever. This and a DA with 80 grit is usually the way to go for...
Wheel offset would be a thing to watch. The same tire on a negative offset wheel (deep dish) would rub the tire more than if you were using a more neutral or positive offset wheel, say, a PYO wheel. (early duramax aluminum wheel)