I want to run a solid u-joint instead of the factory steering coupler. Problem is that a solid u-joint will transmit K-frame movement to the upper steering column bearing and possibly damage it. Therefore I need some sort of length flexibility comparable to the original coupler. If I were to break the plastic shear pins in the steering column this would solve the problem, wouldn't it? These shear pins serve two purposes: 1.) preventing the column from walking into the factory coupler and bottoming out and 2.) makes installation easier.
Once installed it doesn't matter if there are shear pins or not as the outer shaft is held by the upper bearing and the inner shaft is held by the solid u-joint - the shaft can't go anywhere.

Ok, here's my question: how tightly does the inner shaft fit into the outer shaft? Would broken shear pins allow rattling or some sort of play (when twisting inner and outer shaft)?

Thanks

The column will rattle. Mine has been collapsed and I hate the cheap sound.

The shear pins have been broken in my 70 E body for probably 40 years. I've not noticed any looseness or rattle noises.

The plastic the pins are part of sits in a grove cut into either the inner shaft, or the outer shaft (depending on the year of the column). As long as that plastic hasn't melted out, or been removed, the column shouldn't rattle. Over time, there may disintegration of the plastic if the pins have been broken off for a long time and that could cause a rattle. Gene