I was able to extend the steering rod by pressing the good old reliable vise grip pliers and hammering it to slowly extend the rod, it took some pretty good hammering to move it. I tested the lenght a few times until it fit prefectly, it was about 3 inches short. I do not know how it shortened because I did not remove it when I replaced the coupler, now the steering feels very tight.
After the last fit, the coupler went all the way into the steering box, where I was able to tighten the bolt on the coupler that attaches to it via the motor side, then I slipped the rod into the coupler all the way through the column. I was able to install and hand tighten the screw from the foot well. I turned the motor on, turn the wheel all the way to the right which allowed the screw top to be facing the bottom of the foot well and it was very easy then to tighten it from the inside.
Just making sure that someone doing the job will not have to rely on luck as we un-knowingly did. Sure glad I didn't loose the engine/steering pump coming down the hill at 65/80 and numerous curves. Now I consider my job done and can smile!
