cheapest way to convert to manual steering?

There's plenty of engagement the lower shaft only has to come out about an inch and a half which leaves about 3 inches of engagement the only problem is once the plastic shear pin between the inner and outer shaft is broken you will get some play in the steering shaft which will cause an annoying rattle.

only an inch and a half? I thought it had to come out closer to 4 inches? and if the shear pins are broken, then that means the shaft loses its collapsibility doesnt it?