HELP, 1971 monte carlo recessed steering shaft

[jjhenderson713]

Hi, this is my first post on here. I'm really stuck with this car, I bought a 1971 monte carlo last week and the gear behind the ignition is stripped. so I took apart the steering column to get back behind the ignition to replace the gear. I used a gear puller to remove the housing for the ignition lock cylinder. but now i put it all back together and the steering shaft is recessed into the column about 6 inches and i dont know how to get it out. especially without damaging the threads. This is actually my first car and i was pretty bummed when it started skipping the gear when i turned the key. I could really use some guidance.

Thanks, jack