Tilt steering column shaft moving in and out

[Bellworx]

So I purchased a used cj tilt column. The listing showed the spline portion sticking out of the bottom like it should. When it arrived the spline end was barely sticking out. Clearly it had recessed back up into ths column. My guess would be the slip shaft has been compressed by a wreck or someone has dropped it. My question is this, is it ok to use this if I can pull it back out? I read there are pins that shear off to allow the shaft to collapse in a wreck situation. I just dont know if it is safe to use or if it will cause other problems not being held together as it should. Thanks

 

[Bellworx]

Borrowed this pic from another site. The is the area I believe became separated

 

[Bellworx]

Again I borrowed the pic from another site. May have found my answer. There are 2 holes in the slip shaft where they connect inside the column. During the original assembly they inject plastic into these 2 holes to prevent the shaft from moving during assembly. Also the plastic inside acts as a glide and keeps the 2 shafts from seizing/rusting together .This will allow the 2 shafts to compress if in a wreck.

Now I get to see if I can pull the shaft out via the inspection window. Small window. Im sure its going to be a PITA. But its friday, I have an ice cold fridge full of , a shop fan and a 6 string. What could go wrong