dzywicki

I had to replace the clock spring in my '99 Cherokee. I had a tough time getting the steering wheel off. The threaded holes int eh steering both stripped out when I put pressure on the steering wheel remover. Had to drill them through and put a nut on the backside of the steering wheel. Took a breaker bar on the steering wheel remover to finally get it to pop off. Got everything replaced but now, the steering wheel does not lock into a position when the key is remove. I take the key out and the steering wheel is free to move as far as you can turn it.
I removed the lock cylinder today and everything seemed fine with it. I am unclear about the mechanism which actually locks the steering wheel when the key is removed.
Could someone enlighten me on how the steering locking mechanism works.