Steering column misalignment, rag joint life

[wmprof]

My nephew just picked up a 1972 F100 longbed and within a few days realized the rag joint was torn. I drove couple hours to help him and watched while he replaced with a universal part. It was his first attempt at repairing a car! Anyway, it didn't last more than couple weeks because the steering column isn't aligned with steering box. I also noticed that the steering wheel wasn't sitting right either (had a gap between wheel and column).

I searched here and found what I think is the answer to correct steering wheel gap... Push up column shell and reseat the lower bearing pinch collar.

Now I'm wondering how to correct the shaft misalignment. I know it is misaligned because of the cab mount repairs, but they look like they've been that way a long time. Can I loosen the steering box and adjust? I tried loosening the column mount at firewall to get some movement, but didn't move much if at all.

Any help would be appreciated!

Here is photo of my 69 wth the 67 grille had about 12 years ago...

1969 F150 avatar 2.JPG