I'm attempting to reinstall my steering column after pulling it and I've replaced the gasket at the firewall. I'm having a bear of a time getting it seated again. It's like the top is hitting the firewall before the bottom gets seated in the gasket. I can't move it any lower because it hits the metal housing it goes through with the spring. Anybody have any tips on getting this reinstalled? Quite frustrating and demoralizing working on something for hours and not getting anything done.

 

Bump for OP

 

Figured I'd update. I ended up using a thin piece of tin to help guide the column into the seal, much like a shoehorn. Installation complete!