I had my column out for my Borgeson steering upgrade.  As I was carrying it over to the car to reinstall, I let it dip down so the wheel end was less than horizontal and a 4-5" rod fell out.  I didn't see exactly where it came out from, but the only place I can see it coming from is from inside the steering shaft itself.  Is that correct?  If so what does that rod do and can I just drop it back in?  

Column is reinstalled in the car now and everything hooked up, except the steering wheel and related.   I meant to take a picture to post, but slipped my mind as I was buttoning up for the night.  

 

Assuming it is a Tilt/Tele column, it would be the rod that goes inside the shaft to lock the telescopic function. Insert the rod back into the shaft, and then the adjusting screw with the lever.

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"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

Thanks, Joel.  Yep, I do have tilt/tele and I do believe you are correct.  I have the wheel on now and thought I was going to get everything else back together tonight, but ran into a snag with that adjusting bolt (the one with the concave indentations all around).  Somehow the female threads in the shaft have gotten buggered.  I think tomorrow I'll try lightly running a tap in there.  

So close to getting the car put back together! Anxious to get it out of the shop, wash the dust off and drive!