Help installing steering column

I have an automatic 1988 Chevrolet Pickup C1500 235000 miles 5.7 liter v8. I am trying to put in a 1989 gm steering column. I took the old column out of the truck to compare the two and they look identicle. They both have column shifters, cruise control, delay wipers, and all the wiring and plugs look identical. I put in the new steering column and it didn't seem to sit right on the floor board. After working it around I started bolting it in. I bolted the plate to the floor board so it was flush. I put the nuts on the bracket that holds the column up but I didn't tighten them all the way so I could move it a little if I needed to. Under the hood the column comes through the firewall about seven inches. But it looks like I need another half inch because the steering column doesn't slide into the rod that comes from the steering box. Now I'm stuck. I was thinking maybe if I jacked the car up I would have a little more play or room to slide the rods together so I could slide the bolt through. I don't know what to do. Any suggestions?