Steering Column Issue

[340Challman]

Hey All,
I've ran into a problem with my steering column resto. The nylon bearing/bushing that is on the lock out tube will not come off. There is a slight expansion of the tube about 3/4" away from the bushing and it stays expanded all the way up the tube. You can see where the new bushing stops. It is definitely factory original and is very slight. Just enough to stop the bushing. First I guess, has anyone else ran into this? Is there a two piece bushing available? You are definitely not going to crush the entire length of the tube so what is the work around?
Thanks.