With the steering column removed and the steering box installed. Rag joint is also installed onto the steering box. Measure from the rag joint to the opening in the firewall where the steering column passes though. Add 3/4". Transfer this measurement over to the steering column shaft. (the very end that connects to the rag joint to the mount that holds the column to the firewall) Make reference mark on the shaft. Then gently tap the end of the column inwards collapsing it until you meet your mark. I guess it usually ends up being an 1" to 2"'s shorter. Then reinstall your steering column.  

the ram -rod seal is easy to change, you can get a seal kit for around $15.00, did it on my 64 belair on the car, if the rod is in fair shape and isn't badly pited just remove oil lines, the rod from the frame bracket, pull the snap ring and washer, pop the seal out, and reinstall the new stuff, have a catch pan under the ram to catch the ps fluid when you pull the oil lines and pop the seal, if its leaks at the other end of the ram set up where the control valve attach's to the center link they have a kit for the control valve to but the job is a little more entailled which I haven't done.   anips2011-08-12 17:57:50