Re: Fed up! *
Steve
I used to burn the rag joints off in junkyards, when pulling columns out of Mopars, because the rag joints were so cheap and the 12 point bolts were always so hard to get out. If I liked the column I'd just soak the rag joint with penetrating oil and spark her up. Baste lightly ever once in a while to keep the rubber going and keep un doing things under the dash.
Crude but effective
Malcolm
p.s./
You're a brave man driving around with the spline not all the way in and secured. Glad you made it home alive.