Question about Steering Column

Well this is probably a dumb question however. As we all know it's a whole lot easier to tear some thing out then put it back. Well I took my dash all apart and now put it back. All I have to do is finish the steering column (lifting it back in place, it was down). As I started bolting it all back up, the 3 points where the column bolts to on the brace (the ones with the slotted holes). I can barely get them up to the begining of the slot. It was late last night and I really didn't feel like continuing on, but can't I pull on the wheel and it slide it forward some? I thought the steering shaft in the columns where 2 piece and would have some in and out movement. Or is the only movement I'm going to get from where the column mates to the steering box??