Rag joint replacement - move steering shaft further back?

[Willshook]

I'm replacing my steering box. When I took the old one off, I was able to just tap the rag joint back and off the splined input shaft.

The new box is in but there's not enough clearance on the steering shaft to get the rag joint on. The new rag joint is about 1/4" thicker overall and that's just enough to make it so I can't get it on.

I push the shaft back but it's hitting a hard stop. Is there any easy way to get more clearance so I can put the rag joint on? Really, really, really don't want to take the box out again.

[RustyPile]

I've seen replacement rag joints that were a bit thicker, but not a 1/4" thicker. Loosen the 2 bolts holding the column under the dash.. Slide the column up enough to get the clearance you need.