question on steering column

forgive my ignorance, but what exactly is this lever in the shaft of the column? thanks

http://filebox.vt.edu/users/rtisch/IMG_2236.JPG

if it has a key in the collumm it locks the shifter

I'm trying to figure out exactly what I am looking at........is that the end of the column that goes through the firewall? If so, that lever is probably what hooks to the automatic transmission shift arm. But the picture is hard to interpret.

Don

Don is right...If it's not used that lever has to be locked on the up position or the key will not turn...

sorry the picture is huge and hard to look at :o

don you are right, it is the shaft that goes through the firewall.

so if im using a manual transmission i can just lock the lever in the "up" position...up is up towards the steering wheel? how does it lock? is it possible to lock it and then cut it off or i just have to leave the lever sticking out of the column?

thanks guys!

you should be able to cut it flush with the column