Seems to be only about 1/2" of axial slack. Still too much, but makes sense based on what I remember when tearing mine apart.
You'll have to remove the signal switch assembly (white plastic piece).
There are several Phillips head screws that hold it in place.
The signal lever itself simply un-threads from the switch assembly. Look for the two flats near the base of the signal lever. You can use a small wrench to grab it there.
Once the signal switch is loose, you may need to carefully feed the wiring harness up toward the switch to get it clear from the steering shaft.
Once the switch is off, that should expose the ball bearing to see if the snap ring is still there (see pictures 52 and 54 in Post #3 above). If that snap ring is missing, it will cause the axial slack you're seeing. Good vid, by the way. It helps.
Another thing to check. Grab both ends of the steering shaft and try to twist in opposite directions. I'm curious if there is any torsional slack withing the shaft itself. The U-joint can work loose, but the lower shaft has a collapsible section as well.
