Random part from near steering column?

[ChrisRCNY]

I just had something land on my foot from near the steering column. It fell out as I was backing out of a parking space, so it may have something to do with the shifter. I'm guessing it's part of an interlock mechanism or something.

I've always been able to shift from park without hitting the brake, since I bought the truck. No issues with moving shifter, starting, etc.

Does anyone recognize this broken, cast part? It's not even slightly familiar to me.

 

[Boose]

Is your tilt wheel locking in position as it should? that definitely looks like a catch pawl from the end of a lever of some sort.

 

[Motorcity muscle]

Think your assumption on shift interlock is correct, been a quite a few years since they started the brake interlock before shifting gears and people driving over parking curbs.

 

[bobmbx]

Try starting the car without a key in the ignition.