Door control mechanism - shaft length difference

[HD2000]

Does anyone out there know what the "shaft" length is on the two different door control mechanisms (67-71 vs the 72 longer version)?
I've swapped out my door panels as the truck previously had the 72 plastic ones (but my door handles were so tight against the panel that they were binding). With the new steel panels I have about a 1/2" gap between the handle and the panel. Wondering if I have the 72 controls or if I just need the escutcheons to fill the gap.

Thanks all