G'day maxsandman,
As mentioned before, I was able to realign the column and then push it all the way home with the gap completely closed up. The column is firmly seated and does not come free again when firm upwards pressure is applied.
I took the van for a drive and undertook some full lock to lock turns in both directions with no abnormal operation or feedback noted. At this stage I am planning on driving the van as it seems to be operating as designed. I turn anti clockwise and I turn left, clockwise and I turn right.
Happy to convinced otherwise.
Cheers,