Ignition Rod/ Ignition Switch Issue

[jrgicehc]

truck is a 2002 Lariat F350 with a tilt column..... So I went to start my truck the other day and heard a pop as I was moving the key. From that point forward the truck was stuck in run. The key would move but with less effort than before the pop and it had no effect on the truck being stuck in run. I pulled the column covers off and I found that top part of the ignition rod moved with the key but the bottom part that moves the ignition switch in the lower column was not moving. the actual ignition switch down low is fine, I took it off the column and I can start / run / shut off the truck that way (haven't tried to move it).

I did a bunch of searching and found that earlier power strokes had issues with a pin coming out of that rod, but I could not find much info on the newer body style. I also cant see well enough up in there to see how they are/ were connected. does anyone have any experience with this? Also is there a way to repair this in the truck or am I going to have to pull the column? any help is appreciated