Steering Wheel not matching Steering Column

[mac907]

Does anyone know if there are any variances between 69-72 K5 steering columns with regard to the steering wheel shaft?
I pulled the original column off a 71' Blazer (auto trans), and have removed the steering wheel, but it will not mount on my 71' Jimmy (manual trans) column. It turns out the steering wheel shaft on the Jimmy is 1/2" shorter than the Blazer shaft.
Both vehicles are same year, but the variables are auto vs manual and Gmc vs Chevy, should that really matter?
I'm trying to keep my original Jimmy steering column, but add a more year appropriate steering wheel since the truck came with a rediculous tiny wood steering wheel when I bought it.

 

[mac907]

Green one is the Blazer

 

[mac907]

Blue one is Jimmy

 

[mac907]

The sreering wheels. The splines match, but the splines on the original steering wheel are recessed in 1/2"

 

[ashman]

that's a new one for me... wish I could offer more help.

 

[ryoken]

maybe the red/brown one being aftermarket has something to do with it?

never seen a diff between a manual and auto column, other than the lack of a shifter mechanism...

 

[72blazerguy]

Blue one is Jimmy

The blue one looks like the hazard light switch is from a newer model. I bet that steering column isn't the original.

 

[bp71k5]

For reference, I put my original steering wheel from an non-tilt auto column onto a tilt auto column. No difference. They should be the same.

 

[ashman]

For reference, I put my original steering wheel from an non-tilt auto column onto a tilt auto column. No difference. They should be the same.

I thought they would be too. maybe the steering shaft just isn't pushed all the way up?

 

[bp71k5]

If the bearing at the steering box side of the column slipped out, that could cause it.

 

[mac907]

Awesome thanks, BP71K5 and Ashman were correct the bearing on the steering box end was pushed in causing the shaft to be jammed inside the column. After a good amount of prying the shaft made a loud pop and came out the 1/2" that I needed and the bearing was relocated. Now the original steering wheel fits and a ton of slop has been taken out of the steering. Novice mistake on my part, thanks guys!