Mystery piece? Help!

I have a 98 Prerunner SR5. Well I go to start it one day and the key lays all the way over with nothing happening. No big deal right? Change out the switch and it starts fine. But while taking it apart I realized this rod inbetween the key cyclinder and ignition switch had snapped. Now this rod also controls the steering wheel locking. Does anyone know what to call it or a part number so I can find another one? Thanks for the help.

 

I just had one of these in my position two days ago! Turned into scrap now.

 

Wow, really bad timing on my part. Shitty.

 

Still lost on this. Going to try the U-Pull places near me. Looks like I'll have to buy a steering column for them to let me pull it even though its in the dash.

 

Part of my concern would be WHY that piece broke. Something binding or hanging up? Would suck to get a replacement and it breaks as well.

 

The ignition switch was in pretty bad shape. By that I mean when I took it off it came apart in my hand. I think it going out combined with my excessive key "jiggling" to make it start may have played a large part. So maybe if I'd noticed the switch sooner this wouldn't have happened.

 

I think it's either that or the dealership. You might try a body shop, but every time I have tried to save a buck by buying stuff from them, they just tell me that they buy from the dealer and pass the savings on.

 

Might be a compelling argument for just buying a whole column and swapping it out.

 

Me and the parts guy at the dealership couldn't find it on the parts diagrams. I'm thinking it may come included in another part. I still know a few people in the body shops back home I'll have to get them to keep an eye out. As of now I have the ignition switch hanging off and I'm starting it with a leathermen while a screw drive is holding the steering wheel lock.

I think I'm going to get an entire column to be safe. It's difficult to find floor shifts in my area though.

 

Update. Found the piece and I'm currently trying to get it back together. If anyone had any experience with the ignition housing I'd appreciate some advice. Not talking about how to install the switch or cyclinder.