Model year parts compatibility question
 

Hello everyone.
I have a 2008 4x2 2.3L Automatic that has worked hard for 150K miles, it has been a true workhorse and not given me any problems before.
Yesterday, while shifting into park, I heard an ominous "crack" and the sound of a little piece of metal tumbling inside the steering column. After this, the shifter went very loose and by wiggle and hunting I could manage to get only R, N and D, so thankfully I could get it back home.
Until I or a mechanic check it thoroughly, it is not clear what parts are really broken and need replacement (The whole steering column, the shifter assy, the steering column shift tube, etc).
Can anyone help and tell me what model years if any are 100% compatible in this area with my 2008? Browsing the web, I see a lot of replacement parts, new and otherwise but most of them say for model years 99-05, and very few for later years.
I know that going to a dealer would guarantee the right part, but I am concerned about availability and obviously price.

Thank you in advance.

First check to see if the t-25 torx bit bolts came loose at the end of the shifter underneath the dash,all you gotta do is put your head by the brake pedal and look up and you will see em.if those are fine then you gotta take your gauge cluster out and go from there.

Thanks Brensranger,
Me and a friend went in there, the bolts were a little loose but not much, he then took the column out and the shift tube seems to have broke a little notch at the end.
Also he says that the cable is in bad shape and would benefit from changing it.
Is a 2005 part compatible with mine, if not what model years if any other than 2008 are?