Looking for some technical expertise concerning my 55 ford thunderbird steering shaft, I am concerned that i may be missing something in regards to driving safety.  As I pull up on the steering wheel what keeps the shaft from disengaging from the gear at the bottom on the turning gear?  I can literally pull up and disengage the gear, main reason that I really don't trust the wife to drive it.  Am I missing something, or do I just need to be careful with the upward movement?  Thanks guys