I'm really at a loss as to why you're having so much trouble Bob, I wish I had a magic wand to help you out.
I have had to remove the steering column and remove a few inches off the bottom of the column, and move the lower bearing up.
I really don't remember which vehicle.
Make sure you contact Doug's, I know they care, yakked with them a few times, you may get some consideration, and I know they like input .
I called Doug's at one point and got the standard "all cars are different" line. :BangHead: I don't know what else they would say, to be honest. That was about the point where I broke out the hammer and torch.