News:
no , it was not supposed to be there , just bolt the column in place under the dash , the lower plate on the floor floats so center the inner shaft & outer housing & tighten the bolt up
What we do hear in Australia is to fit a small strip of felting to the gap, just loosely, just snug enough not to fall out. this will act as a support in a very minor way but will also keep all debris out of the shaft area itself, felt will hold its place and will not swell to cause any binding at all.
Stops any rattling too.
Try Mopar first I believe they still have it