This may be a stupid question but does anyone know the easiest way to remove a tumbler? The tumbler broke and I am trying to replace it but cant figure out how to get it out. Do I need to take the wheel off and dismantle the column? there has got to be an easy way to do this. Please help.

Unfortunately the wheel has to come off. You will need a steering wheel puller, a lock plate removal tool, some small pointy picks, remove the turn signal switch and then you will be close to the tumbler. If it has never been replaced there will be a piece of flash casting covering the release hole. There are two places thatwill look like they could be the slot, hold up the new lock and punch out the one that lines up with the retainer tab on the cylinder. It will break out easily and allow access to the spring loaded tab holding the cylinder in.
Stop by and I'll show you how it is done. AZ is nice this time of year; it was only 109* today ;)

so all I need to buy is a wheel puller and some small picks? or isthere a tool specifically for the lock plate?

The tool screws onto the steering shaft and has a U shaped part that can be tightened down to push the plate against the spring far enough to remove the retainer ring. Less than $10 available almost everywhere.