This happened to my 97 Sport after 11 years. Actually, it was done by CarMax when they were test driving my truck for trade-in (don’t get me started). Since they refused to fix it, here is what I did. BTW, the mechanism is the same on my 08 Mountaineer.
I went to the local junk yard and bought the entire parking brake mechanism, pedal, springs, release lever, and all for $25. All you care about is the pull handle, attached rod, and dashboard mounting bracket.
At the end of the rod attached to the handle is a rivet. Score a cross on the head of the rivet using a Dremel cut-off wheel. Then using (I think) a 1/4" drill bit, drill out the rivet. Now you'll have just what you need.
Find or go to the hardware store and get a @ 1/4" diameter by 1/2" long screw with a matching friction nut (the ones with the vinyl inserts). That is how you'll attach it to the rest of the mechanism still in your truck.
Now repeat the scoring and drilling operation on the parking brake rod/rivet still in your truck. Once separated from the rest of the mechanism, you can unscrew the handle/rod from the dashboard. There are two TORX screws under there. I don't remember the size.
Now just attach your "new" handle/rod into the dash and tighten the TORX screws. Insert the 1/4" by 1/2" screw into the hole on the rod and attached it to the rest of the mechanism, mimicking the rivet you just removed. Tighten the vinyl coated screw just enough so it won't wobble or rattle and you're done.
Much cheaper than the $300 plus installation for an entirely new parking brake mechanism.
Chris