STEERING COLUMN HELP

First let me thank everyone for the help lately. I am doing my first restore and trying to put everything back together after 2 years. My newest problem is with the steering column. I completely refurbished it and then mounted it in the car. It mounted great, but I noticed the collars are a little loose. If I pull down on the reverse lock out shaft they tighten up. Do you need to have the reverse lock out rod attached for column to work right? Also I have almost 3 complete column and each one has a different length shaft and all 3 are for a 70 mustang. Did they put different length shaft in the 70? Any help would be appreciated.

I believe the shaft is collapsible in case of an accident
All shafts should be the same length.
I don't believe tilt steering collomn has an other length either.

Reverse lock ? auto or manual transmission ?

Hello, The shaft I am talking about connects to the rag joint and they are different lengths. The reverse lock out is for a 4 speed manual transmission.
thanks john