Modifying Auto on the Column Steering Collars - NO Welding Required!!

Trying to do this mod on my '73 column. Got the circ clip off the first collar but can't get the first collar to come up off the shaft. Looks like the inner bushing of the bearing is holding it. Is it supposed to just slide off the shaft once the circ clip is off?

Its a tapered shaft and have to use a puller. I made one I can send you to use? This is just a pic I found on here I used to make mine