Thats what Bergman said to do. I loosened it all up, plate holes still too high, so tugged column out 1/2 inch or so, pushed in, tugged out again, pushed in, then I was able to get firewall bolts started by hand. Tightened everything up, started engine, steering still works good. Don't know why tugging column in and out (coupling shoes allowed the movement) changed it but hey I'll take it.
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