Ed Huntress wrote:

I am wanting to
take up the slack with something that will remain a permanent part of the
different top piece. The problem with using some flat sheet metal is that
it will need to be replaced when the upper piece is removed. I need a
permanent solution.

Lacking the shop, I'd make it from a strip of brass, as I described,

Were it for a non-vehicular application where failure wouldn't carry
the risk of injury,
I'd proably go for the strip of brass, with an addition modifiation to
make it captive:

I'd make the strip from C260 yellow brass, about 3/16" too wide on both
sides, and anneal it by heating it in a propane torch flame at night
until it just shows a dull glow.

Then I'd bend it with my fingers into a cylinder around the shaft, file
the edges, and try to get it installed, extending 3/16" beyond the hole
on both ends. I'd then back out the shaft to be flush with the end of
the bore and use a steel rod to burnish the excess material out into a
flare, being carefull not to cut my fingers on the edge (been there,
done that) Then insert the shaft from the other side and do the same
thing, leaving the piece captive.

Another option, is that I think the difference works out such that a
piece of 1" OD .065" wall tubing could be purchased, slit lengthwise
(before annealing) and installed the same way.

.... but since it's for a vehicular application, formally I wouldn't
touch it.