Flaming River coupler installation (Problem solved)

This is a manual steering box with a manual steering column not a conversion. The directions said cut 1-1/2" off the shaft so I did (my mistake should've test fit first) I was hoping to install the steering column and coupler then the motor and transmission this weekend. This IS just one of those stumbling blocks you run into on a project. I'll check and see if I can pull the shaft down I never realized it could "collapse" during the removal and install. I'll keep my fingers crossed.LOL