V70 Steering: Steering rack pinion length.

[Newt]

Hi. I'm having the leaking steering rack changed, on my 2005 V70 D5.
Apparently it's a non speed sensor type. The information on the original rack is Volvo P30723809
T070405010053 7853 974 220.
I gave the details to a supplier and received a rack on exchange.
My mechanic called to say the pinion on the new rack is 5mm too short and they can't get the pinch bolt in.
The supplier says it's a variant they have never seen before, that the shorter pinion is only seen on the speed sensor variant in his experience, and suggests I send the rack back for a refurb, which means I won't get it for a week. Not the end of the world but it's tying up my mechanics garage space.
I haven't been round to look at it myself, so bear with me please.
I'm wondering if the universal joint on the end of the column comes in different dimensions according to what rack is fitted?
I'm thinking if so and I can get a part number it might be a workaround to simply change the UJ for one suited to cars with the speed sensor type that apparently has the shorter pinion?
Anyone have access to this knowledge? Thanks, Jim

[oragex]

I believe Volvo switched from SMI to ZF racks somewhere in 2004. Each rack has it's own corresponding lower coupler, which are not interchangeable. I could only find two lower coupler models listed

Is your old rack the original one ? Do the lines at the rack have the same attachments as the new one ? I would be surprised, it looks like they shipped the other model of rack

Attachments (and hoses) are different between the two racks. Basically, the entire rack assemblies are completely different, same fore the pumps and reservoirs.