RCHarris

I was having trouble with my '96 Silverado not starting. Battery was fine but the starter wouldn't turn, so I replaced it. That was not the problem, so now I suspect the ignition switch relay. My Chilton manual has pretty good instructions - remove upper/lower stearing column shroud halves and lower the steering shaft from the dash - but it doesn't provide any caution statements regarding the airbag.

Should I be concerned aboutpossible airbag deployment?
Is there an easier way to replace the ignition switch (harness, not the lock cylinder)?
Is there some way to diagnose the switch before tearing into the steering column?
Should this be done by a professional and not a shadetree?

Thanks.