cj7 steering column

When I first got my CJ I was told of the infamous Steering wheel issue if the wheel is used to get in and out the torx head bolts down in the steering column get loose. About a year ago I tore it apart and put lock tight on each bolt and called it good, just last week it started to go loose...

So I am currently replacing the steering column in 83 cj7, but I ran into a problem. Everything measures up to the old steering column, but for some reason when I connect it to the rod under the hood, the bracket that holds it up near the steering wheel won't reach where he bolts go in. I have...