I have an 88 F-150 with a 5 speed tranny. Today the shifter came off in my hand. Luckily it was in the driveway. It appears that the bolts that hold the top plate on the tranny had backed out but the bigger problem was that the pins in the shifter are just worn out. Anyone have any idea how to get ahold of these. Ford says they can't get those anymore unless you buy the whole top end of the transmission but the parts guy ordered some for an 89 that he says might work. Not sure if they are the same length but they appear to be the same diameter. I thought they used that 5 speed mazda up till a couple years ago. Why would it be a problem to get something as simple as these two pins?

Any help would be appreciated!