Steering Column Repair: 1990S TELESCOPING STEERING COLUM, loose bolts, spring compressor

Question
I have repaired the loose bolts on this model of fleetwood colum, have the tools for a regular tilt colum but I confused on this telescoping shaft one. Don't see how you can push the flat ring down when the inner shaft with a key slides up and down the outer shaft so i can put the c clip in the slot Rory

Answer
Hi Rory:
Interesting problem, huh?
The solution is to secure the inner shaft in the lowered position so you can put your spring compressor on it, just like the non-telescoping styles.
What we use, is a 1/4" USS bolt with the head ground off and a notch cut into it so we can tighten it.  The head needs to be small enough to fit inside your compressor tool.  We assemble the telescoping inner shaft with the rod inside and then run our bolt down and snug the shaft in the almost lowered position,  then we put the plate and c-clamp on.

I believe some tool manufacturing companies sell one, but it's a pretty old design, so no one is going to stock it.  
I hope this helps you
Good luck
Doug