68 Cuda PS gear and column

This is the best way IMO.

Re-drill and re-pin for safety. Use some hot glue and or both with a nylon pin to reset it. Some disassembly is required! Assuming the structural of the column housing is in tact!

I don't think it's the inside of the shaft that's the issue. It's the reduction of travel of overlapping flat part of the shaft being reduced due to the shaft being telescoped shorter.