Welcome to the Bullnose forum.
It will be asked - we have a members map would you like to be added to it so you and others can see who is close by. If so just need the city / town or think zip code.
As for the column you can swap out like for like. If you have speed control then the replacement should have speed control as well. Same for auto transmission.
I dont think it's that hard to swap it out.
Under the hood you have the rage joint (rubber disc thing) at the box you need to undo.
Shift linkage if auto needs to be disconnected.
Inside truck there is a metal plate around column bolted to the floor that needs to be undone.
I dont remember what up at the gauge bezel that needs to be removed but I know there is something.
4 bolts I think it is holding the column to the bottom of the dash and drop the wheel onto the seat.
There should be 2 plugs each with a bunch of wires, turn signal wires and the IGN switch, undo them.
I believe the column should then be able to be removed by pulling it into the cab and then out.
If I left something out I am sure someone will say something.
Dave ----