Hmm...that's rather curious...Pretty much no give in the whole system best I can tell...

So I assume your gap is somewheres around 2 inches? Are you sure your new steering box is out of an 1800? Maybe you found a key difference between a 122 box and 1800 box. Anyone know if the steering column shaft from a 122 steering box is shorter than that in an 1800? Sort of makes sense since the 1800 steering wheel is farther from the steering box.... What is the length of the shaft between the box and the rubber damper? (Not that I could measure mine as my 1800 ain't here right now, but someone here probably could to compare)

If that is the case, *maybe* the spline could be adjusted.... If you try that though, make sure there are still plenty of splines left. Personally...I wouldn't recommend that though. Perhaps you could make a spacer to take up the space? Shouldn't be too hard to do that and then use longer bolts (high grade, of course).

Or perhaps use 2 of the rubber dampers?

Good luck!
-Matt