Shifting tube trouble

[Necco-2]

Help please. 1964 F-100 3/speed on the column. I removed my steering column because I was having trouble shifting. The tube was broken at the top and the tab was broken off from the tube. I found a replacement tube from Tison Ford. The new tube is about 1/4" longer from the flair at the bottom end to the whole in the tab at the top end. Will this tube work or should I remove the 1/4" and weld back together.

[William-in-St George]

You have both tubes out and on the bench? Take a minute or two and carefully examine them. They should be the same in all aspects. As far as cutting and re-welding the tube it can be done but you need to be careful that the end results are exactly the same as the original. I would look for an explanation as to why the replacement tube seems to be too long?

[charliemccraney]

Is the grommet in the new tube and you are including that in the overall measurement?

[Necco-2]

Yes both are on the bench. From the flair to the top the new one is 1/4" longer. From the flair to the bottom they are the same.

[William-in-St George]

I'd assemble it! Carefully. See where that 1/4 inch affects the assembly and if it will matter. IMHO!