Automatic Gear shifter Sagging

[mlogikal]

Ok I'm not really sure about this problem. I have a 2000 Ford Ranger 3.0L w/automatic transmission. As soon as I started my truck and put it into gear, a metal pin hit my leg. Now the shifter sags and stays in between park and reverse when it's parked. When I got home, the only way I could pull my key out of the ignition is by pushing the shifter up till it goes into the park position. Here is a picture of that pin. Hopefully someone can help me out with where it goes and maybe some pics or diagrams. Thanks.

 

[Cobraguy]

Is that the pin that holds the shift handle to the collar? It's been a while since I've been in a column. I would say you need to pull the covers off the column and see where that thing goes. Don't be surprised if you need new parts to get it to fit tight again.

 

[Trailbum]

Have you figured out WHERE this pin goes??? I ask because the same pin fell out of my 2000 Explorer this weekend... I know it goes to the shift linkage, but WHERE????