Corvette Forums - Corvette Enthusiast Site

I've been in the restoration/modification biz for quite awhile, and I have had some hurdles, but this is the first time I've just cried uncle. What started as a simple lock cylinder change out has turned into a nightmare. I can only hope someone can help! The steering wheel is the tilt/telescopic varietyon a75 stingray. When i first went to reassemble the column Ihad no issues; but I neglected to insert the upper shaft before the lock plate (it's been apart for awhile, who has time to work on their own stuff?) SoI removed the c ring and went at it again, but this time the lock plate bottomed out on the housing, not allowing me to compress tothe point for the clip. It seems that the yoke has slipped back a 1/4 in. or so. I don't even think that should be possible. The only motion for the yoke should be rotational and the slight telescopic motion when tilting the wheel ( so ,yes,I have tried every tilt position.)I haven't ever been inside the column on one of these soI have consideredthat maybe for some reason the horizontal motion should me morethan it is and the recession is due to an unknown cause.But what? So here i sit wondering how the yoke could move back farenough to make assembly impossible. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!