The new rod will not fit in the channel or it is too long for the rifle? Many times my ramrod will extend a little over the barrel. Nothing wrong with that at all. As long as it is not in front of the muzzle.
I had to cut the thimble rib back on mine also to make it fit the Renegade stock. Not a big deal. A dremel tool made it easy. It looks like a real nice rifle. Now get out there and shoot it.