I can tell you that the dual pod does not fit with the "oh crap" handle on - I had to remove it to put my dual pod housing on. And, I still mounted it too low. If you put it down too low, it blocks the airflow from the vent on the end of the dash that is supposed to keep the driver's window from fogging up, so you can see the driver's outside mirror. The way I have mine, the airflow is partly blocked and it does not do a good job of keeping the window clear. fyi, I have a boost/vacuum gauge and a air/fuel gauge in mine.
I think there was some GM truck that had a "oh crap" strap that just attached with one screw. I've been looking for one during my jy trips, but have not yet found one. If I find one, I will install it on the one screw location that is still available.
If it helps, I put a few JC bars in all three trucks for sweet pea to get in and out. One overhead and one on the A pillar. My 87, 96 250 and 97 didn’t have them. In the 87:
Obviously these weren’t Ranger grabs from any year. The column was a Ford, and the little one overhead was from a square body Town Car, which coincidentally, fit the Missing Linc theme. They’re just put in with self drilling/self tapping hex heads, which is pretty much the way Ford put them in anyway. I can hang off all of them, and I’m a little bit bigger than sweet pea.
Point being, if you look around the pull a part, you can probably find a handle that works and you can still put the column gauges on. I mean no criticism, but if I had to grab it, I would want more than one screw in it. Might have to drill a couple more holes, but it’s plenty strong to take all of it.
My two cents, hope it helps