The little pin shaft sticking out is actually part of the torsion bar that helps control the valving (re centers the disc valves)
It was left sticking out to align the rag joints on the factory steering setup. you can cut it off if it interferes with your steering U joints...
After getting two conflicting opinions, I finally got a hold of Cardone, and The Tech there said the pin was "a pilot or guide for installing the unit" and that "Most techs just cut it off."
I only need to shorten it by a 1/4" to clear the U-Joint, so I did. Thankfully it was still solid and I should now be able to install it with no issue.
It does appear to be the "cap" or Plug" in the shaft that holds something in, so Paul's comments are probably correct, the spring just doesn't stick this for out on the stock box's.
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