PS one piece permanet set up question

Got my PS today.  I ordered it to be 96" which is the height of my ceilings.  Well it came today and althought the actual pole IS 96" there are attachements welded in on either end making it 98 3/4", amost 3" more than my ceiling!  Obvisouly something isn't right here....can someone help me out?   BTW, no directions for a permanent mount pole, only for the adjuster/tension model so I am cluless........  Thanks!