77 CJ5 Steering Shaft

[jwbrinkley]

Guys, I am in the process of replacing the lower steering shaft bearing and all went well except that now my upper steering shaft appears to be too short. I cannot get the coupler to align with the slot in the splines of the upper shaft due to shaft appearing to be too short now. Is the upper shaft collapsible? My steering wheel and upper column all appear to be fine. Any help would be appreciated..

 

[IOPort51]

The bottom shaft telescopes. It may need some persuasion, it is held in position by some plastic pins that are to allow the column to collapse on impact.