[z71se]

So I'm mid-resto on my 77 and I pull the steering shaft to powdercoat since it's unsightly. I had a hell of a time getting it off. Normally the mid section of a steering shaft will collapse as soon as you unbolt the shaft from the steering gear. That being said, I was able to melt off those little plastic retainers inside the two shaft halves and disassemble everything. I was told this was a no-no and now that the plastic retainers are gone, there would be steering slop? I find this hard to believe considering the shaft halves are very tight slip fit. Anyone have any ideas since I've already taken it apart?