Shifter collar problem

[agouge]

I have a '71 F100 auto column. There is a gap between my shift collar and the larger column tube that it covers/slides down over. I know its not supposed to be pushed back, but when I push my shift handle towards the dash...it moves the collar back into place where it should be and takes up the slack/gap. When I let off the shifter handle...it springs back towards me the 1/8" gap returns. How can I take up this slack between these two? I feel like the round piece that holds the turn signal switch and has the "two bolts and nuts that keeps this all together" is pushed on as far as it can go, but I still have the gap. I have those two nuts and bolts tight as well. Help:(

Thanks Much,
agouge

[fordman]

usually a gap in that place means that the center shaft is out of place and needs adjusted at the bottom of the column. the two nuts you talk about may nto be in correctly. oen of them may not be holding while the other one is. i would start at adjusting the bottom of the column first and see how that helps.