Thanks guys ! I have that diagram of the stock arrangement but since I have that gap I wasn't sure.

Chances are this is not the column that came in the car - I'm 100% it's not but its what I have to work with. I am solving mysteries daily on this thing. I am not restoring it so I just need something that is safe and works.

Any idea if there's a u-joint available that will fit the splines on the steering box shaft ?

And it looks as if the roll pin that goes in the steering couple is out but the dang thing is stuck ! I'll try PB Blaster and a hammer.