Steering column tweaked?
One thing I noticed about the column was one of slotted "capsules" which bolts go through to mount the column to the cross member is missing.
Page 3F3-18 of a 1989 FSM I have on hand says "Capsules must be within 1.59 mm (1/16 in.) from bottom of slots. If not, replace jacket assembly." This is all listed under "Accident damage check". I have one capsule missing completely.

Column LOOKS okay, I figured I just needed another capsule to slot into the jacket on the column. Additionally, I'm thinking the person I got it from just wrestled with the thing getting out of the parts car and the capsule got jarred loose. No external damage, cracking, or buckling of the column or jacket anywhere.
Thoughts?







