Wobbly steering column in 89 chevy silverado 1500 any advice would be great?

[induction_of_destruction]

I have a 89 chevy silverado 1500 2wd. I am concerned about a wobbly steering column. the problem has gotten significantly worse in the past couple months and now when i shift it feels like it grinds on the gears. I find myself having to hold the part right behind the wheel in place to get it to shift cleanly. my question is how labor intensive the job would be if i took it to a mechanic, can i do it myself, and is this an unsafe way to be driving around? Also are there any good places to get a free repair manual for my truck? thanks