1999 ram ignition(key) replacement

[69 charger man]

well i need to replace the inginition switch in my 1999 dodge ram van.. the key tumblers on the top fell out so i need to get a new switch.  the problem i face is that i can not seem to get the lock meckinsism out.. i took apart basically the whole collum, but no luck... i also read some where that the key must be in a certain position to ease this burden.. well any help will be appricated
-thansk ray

[Chryco Psycho]

I had quit working as a locksmith by 99  but I believe it has to be truned to release it , you may have to break it some more to accomplish this though

[Plumcrazy]

The key has to be turned on.
There's a tab on the side of the tumbler that has to be pushed in so the tumbler can be pulled out.
If you are looking at the key from the passenger seat it will be at the 9 o'clock position.