The steering column shaft is 2 part, and they slide together in a crash. There are small nylon buttons that hold them at the factory length. If broken, they allow the shaft to compress to a shorter length.
You can try grabbing the column from the steering box end and pulling it back out 1 1/2 inches, but be sure you leave enough of the upper and lower shafts with plenty of overlap so it doesn't disconnect on a good bump,
