Trouble installing jeep steering shaft

[Texas82GP]

I have a brand new Jeep steering shaft. Summit says it fits 84-94 Cherokee. It seems way too long and doesn't seem to want to telescope. Did I get the wrong one? What does it take to get it to telescope? Here is a look at the new shaft next to the old one...

 

[LukeZ]

I had to spray mine with WD40, then put it upright on a steel plate with a block of wood on top and hit it with a sledge hammer to get mine to telescope. Mine is also almost 100% contracted when it's all hooked up, and it looks like yours too minus the thin rubber piece yours has on the left part of the shaft in your picture

 

[UNGN]

Grand Cherokee. 93-95 Grand Cherokee. The Cherokee uses a different shaft.

 

[Longroof79]

Jared.
Of course mine was a junkyard part. I applied some heat to where the two halves slide together...and eliminated the plastic sleeve. Just be careful not to heat it too much or it will compromise the inner bushing which adds resistance.
I don't think slamming it with a hammer is a good idea.

 

[Turbolq4]

What are the pros/cons of the grand Cherokee shaft vs the astro shaft?

 

[fleming442]

Cherokee=bolt-in
Astro needs a u-joint clocked

 

[UNGN]

After properly clocked, the Astro shaft is a little smaller profile than the Grand Cherokee shaft and can clear larger headers than a GC shaft can.

 

[Turbolq4]

Can we just remove the steering wheel and put it on straight if we don't properly clock the u joint?

 

[UNGN]

Can we just remove the steering wheel and put it on straight if we don't properly clock the u joint?

You have to reclock the turn signal cam, which is more work than re-clocking the shaft.

 

[Turbolq4]

Thanks! I appreciate the help.