Tilt Away Rag Joint Issues

[69 GT350 Vert]

The splines on the rag joint that mesh to the steering gear must be damaged on my rag joint.  I can turn the rag joint 3/8" until it makes contact with the steering gear splines.  I am pretty sure this is contributing to my steering wheel play. 

I think I ruined the rag joint when I removed the steering gear 8 years ago for a rebuild.  I couldn't get the rag joint separated from the steering gear, and I remember prying the rag joint open at the gap opening where the bolt tightens it to the steering gear.

I'd like to replace the rag joint since I think the fine threads are stripped.  Does anyone know how to do this without removing the steering gear or steering column.  The Ford Shop manual doesn't have a procedure for this project.  Any tips are appreciated. Also, is anyone making a good repro for the tilt rag joint?  I see NPD carries one.   

[shelbymann1970]

Well I pulled my column out 1.5 years ago and it came out after I loosened the 2 bolts. I may sell my extra was joint as I bought a nos one from Randy S for my spare complete tilt column then when pulling out a steering box I had for 40 years saw it had a tilt rag joint on it so now I have a spare.