Shift tube lever be gone

I'm in the process of converting a column to floor shift. The column shift lever is down at the bottom of the shift tube and I want to get rid of it.

Can anyone give me a reason why I can't just cut the end of the tube right behind the lever?

I see no other purpose for the extra length beyond the jacket other than a place to mount the lever. The white bearing thing and foam seal are up inside the jacket.

Thanks,

- Greg