...I understand the column can be adjusted closer to the wheel in an effort to make sure the rings are riding against the contacts. Other than the firewall mounted clamp and the one under the dash, is there anything additional I need to loosen to try to move the column itself closer?
EARLY & LATER differ some as do BIG BLOCK or SMALL BLOCK (basic questions needs answered, is your car a short shaft gear box or long shaft gear box. If SHORT shaft type, is it wiith tilt or without)
I believe for the long shaft style (early small block cars w/o tilt), this question has been answered in other threads. If you have the short shaft gear box that was used on Big Blocks (all), Tilt Columns (all) and the late-67's and 68's (all) then we can address you question easier once known.
You could also have problems inside of the steering wheel itself.