97 Jimmy Ign Lock

Anyone have any expierience with the ignition lock cyl/switch on a 97 Jimmy? My buddy'd having trouble with his Jimmy, can't get the key to turn. I have the covers off but I need to turn the cyl to be able to remove the cyl. To get the cyl/switch out I have to turn the cyl so I can turn the steering wheel to get the air bag and steering wheel off to get at the switch.:nuts::nuts:
Anyone with any tricks or tips?

I've had that kind of trouble years ago on a different car but the problem was the same: can't turn key, can't unlock, can't disassemble and swap cylinder.....

Had to drill and cut...... fortunately that car did not have airbags....