steering column????

[1968 royal ranger]

i bought a column to install in my truck, the wheel when bolted on leaves a bigger gap than normal,, any ideas ?? and when the wheel is off the center shaft will slide out bottom ,, is this normal?? thanks mike 68 ford auto ,,ps

[fordman]

loosen the dash bolts and slide the column up towards the steering wheel. then get under the hood and adjust the lower steering column bearing retainer up against the bearing. that will put it where it belongs and keep it there.