Replaced Ignition Lock Housing and switch.. and now -
 

After finally replacing just the switch on my 99, it was still very hard to turn. I had my car in for an oil leak and it was suggested that I replace the entire unit with the updated assembly. So, now it turns quite nicely and everything works, but now after maybe 5 drives maybe, when you remove the key there is quite the "clink" sound. Is this normal with the new assembly? I swear I never heard this with the original one, or just after the installation of the new one.

probably the sound of the spring loaded pin. (locking pawl)
It locks the steering when the key is removed.
On your old setup the grease had probably aged and thickened to the point that it didn't move freely or moved slowly so you didn't hear it engage.

Blue62 is right. I replaced a lock with a used one, but lubricated it before installation and it makes that clunk that all 986s should make... and very few do.

Nice guys.. thank you!