2012 F150 intermediate steering shaft

So I have the binding steering issue with my truck. I bought an intermediate steering shaft off amazon twice now. The first one I couldn't fit and therefore I returned it. I just got the second shaft and it also will not fit.

The shaft will not collapse enough for me to fit it on my truck. I am really annoyed at this. I'm wondering if I'm missing something? I am perfectly able to put the old shaft on and off without any issues so why am I having a problem with the new one?

The new ones do not collapse all the way down like the original shaft. I have about a half of an inch to long of a shaft (OMG - that sounded wrong.)

Anyway I haven't returned the steering shaft yet. I'm hoping someone will have an idea of what I could do.

I have a 6 cyl 2012 F150.

here is a pic of what isn't collapsing enough.

That is as far as it collapses. My original shaft collapses all the way. Not sure if it is supposed to go more. But because it doesn't I cannot attach it to both upper and lower steering shafts. I can get it on the bottom shaft but then I have approx a half an inch to long to get it on the upper shaft. If I could collapse it I would be able to do it.

I'd go have a look at a genuine OEM part at the stealership to compare.

Yeah I think I'll just be buying one from the dealer. Which is unfortunately a fortune. I since greased up the old one and it is working perfectly at the moment.

I think what caused the problem (stiff steering) in the first place was the fact that my water overflow bottle was leaking at the hose and bottle connection. I've read that it is a common problem due to poor engineering on the connection.

I have ordered a pegasus hose to fix the problem for good. No more dripping on my steering shaft.