70 RR Steering Column Question

I have my steering column disassembled and am attempting to reassemble. But I have a question. Since the inner tube is basically for column shift and reverse lock out I believe, is it necessary for a floor shift? Or is the inner tube for protection (dirt, grime, etc)? I have a new lower bearing for it, but the damned thing doesn't fit the inner tube. It fits the shaft though.

Watch these videos: https://www.e-bodies.org/videos/

The e-body unit is very similar to the 1970 B-body.