There's a couple of good threads on FABO showing how to modify the steering column collars to eliminate the shift indicator and the snout of the shift lever. I'm currently doing that on my '72 Dart column. Beats paying $160 for new collars!

When reassembling, I'd like to leave out parts that no longer have any function. I may keep the steering wheel ignition lock but there's no need for the Park interlock, or shift detent plate. The outer jacket is already shortened back to the firewall for header clearance and the shift arm is gone. Do I even need the inner tube, and the plastic bushings that align it, or can I get rid of them?

I'm no expert, but I think you need to keep the inner tube & bushing. I mean, that is what aligns the bottom half of the steering shaft. I believe it's just that bushing + the small bearing up in the lower collar to keep it straight.

I neglected to mention that I have a Flaming River U-joint extender (column was originally for a PS box), not the stock pot-joint, so it'd be pretty well supported...

But after some more reading online, I learned that an "ER-16" flange bearing ($6 or so) is a perfect fit between the steering shaft and the outer column lower end. So the inner tube can go away, and its bushing