Different Steering Column Shaft Lengths?

[Gymguyjeep]

I bought a steering column from a Junk yard in California who did a search to find a direct replacement for my 1993 XJ because the internal ignition linkage was broke. I got the used one that had good ignition linkage and fixed it up and installed it. Now I realize that the exposed length at the end of the steering column shaft that connects to the lower shaft assembly is 3/4" shorter than my original column length. This means that I cannot connect my existing lower shaft assembly to the bottom of the steering column shaft.

Questions for the experts:
1) The column I got from the dealer in California said the column he sold me is from a 1993 Cherokee, but maybe not. Did Jeep use different shaft lengths between 1984-1995? (I'm sure this is not a column from a 1996+ XJ)

2) Where can I get a lower steering shaft assembly that will be 23.75" in length instead of my stock 23" length?

Thank you. I need to get this Jeep driving ASAP!

[4.3LXJ]

Are ou talking about the sector shaft, between the column and the steering box?

[Gymguyjeep]

I figured it out. Removing the plastic shield on the lower steering shaft assembly helps you to see that you can extend the length of the assembly. It requires some hammering in a vice, but the length can be extended to accomodate the difference in the shaft length of my column steering shaft that is 3/4" shorter than the original. I am still not sure why there are different length steering column shaft lengths.