Could someone please send me a picture of their Sierra column in situ. Where the inner column(triangular) leaves the outer column should this be pushed up so that the spring is not visible.
Can't upload pics of mine. Doing this from my phone and don't know how to.

Iirc, when the steering wheel or the steering wheel boss is fitted, the triangular part of the column is up (screwing on the nut will "pull up" the column).
So try to install you steering wheel or the steering wheel boss, and the problem should solve itself.
Sorry, can't find a picture of mine fitted.
Hope that will help