Help-Steering Column Seals

[formula_raider]

I am putting back my steering column after a complete repaint of the cab and I am replacing the "steering column to dash seal" and the seal that is at the bottom of the column that attaches to the firewall. How in the world do you get these seals to slip off the column so you can put new ones on. I have a tilt auto column shift and the 4" metal mechanism at the bottom of the column that moves the transmission selector is in the way and you cannot slip the seal around it. I have taken off the bottom bearing and have tore down the top of the column. I really do not want to remove the upper bearing and do a complete tear down. Is this what I have to do? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks,