Steering coupler and gear problem

[killer_mike]

Hello

I have a leak on the input shaft of the steering box and the rag joint is broken, so i decided to change the steering gear and rag joint [a brand new rag joint and coupler]
Well the rag joint i got from LMC doesnt fit the input shaft from autozone, it should because the difference in diameter is 0.002", i tried to tap it in with a mallet but the coupler started to scrape the splines on the steering gear and cant put the old rag joint because the old pump and the coupler are of a smaller diameter. Counted the splines on the rag joint and thats 23 and on the steering gear 30-31.
Besides i tried calling LMC before i ordered the rag joint and for some reason they sell parts but dont have tech support neither does american classic, i called them before about another issue a while back. At least american classic has the OD/ID and spline count...

Any sugestions, even if it implies rebuilding the old steering gear...

PS any recomendations towards a steering shaft convertion [the one with u-joints] will be much appreciated.