73 steering shaft to short

There is also about an inch of 'leeway' adjustment at the upper end of the column (as it attaches under the dash frame).
IF the inner shaft has 'come loose' where the plastic holds it together, there is no reason that this (shaft) cannot continue to be used. If you wish, just line up the inner and outer parts, then drill out the broken plastic 'pin', and install something else -such as an aluminum 'pop rivet'. As mentioned, there is a good chance the bottom 'coupler' can get stuck in its' collapsed configuration and can be pulled or (gently) tapped downward. If that little pin at the the upper housing area is not in place, all the 'guts' will come out - when you don't want them to.
Please let us know the eventual reason for your original issue.