Upper steering column inner race bearing issue

[BIGJOE]

hey guys hows it going, having a issue just recently replaced the upper bearing for the steering column, the one that sits right below the spring and retainer cup under the lockplate, anyhow the inner race will not go over the steering column, the bearing is all the way in but i can grab ahold of the steering column and pull it upwards towards me, i dont know if this is right because the inner race cup has to go over it and sit on the bearing or what. but i cannot get the inner race over the steering column, any help would be appreciated. thanks again