Speedo cable loose fit in the gearbox

[beerhunter]

Hiya,
Trying to get my speedo working (1990 2.9 5 speed). I removed the cluster and the cable. Spinning the end of the cable causes the needle to move, so they're fine.
When refitting and reconnecting, I noticed the bit that actually pokes in to the gearbox is a very loose fit. I'm guessing it's not engaging with the gearbox, hence no speedo.
Could it have worn here? Or is there something missing? The hole in the gearbox is hard to see, but looks small and round and brass coloured.
I got a pic but can't upload at the moment.
Thanks.

 

[beerhunter]

OK, so I just pulled the pinion gear from the transfer case. There is a plastic gear, at the far end of which is a square drive that presumably engages with the cable.

Can anyone tell me approximately how much square inner cable is supposed to extend out of the sheath at the gearbox end? There's about an inch and a quarter poking out of mine, which is nowhere near long enough to engage with the plastic gear (after it has passed through the cruise control sensor) .

Oddly, it doesn't look like it has been broken, but that seems to be the only explanation.

 

[beerhunter]

Me again!

https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=385941&cc=1137697&jsn=16

When I look at replacement speed sensors, they all look like they have a bit poking out that would engage with the plastic gear (see the link - if it worked!).

Mine doesn't have this. Is there supposed to be piece inside the sensor that acts as an extension to the cable? If so, what is it called and can I get that part alone? Or do I need to buy a whole new speed sensor?

Thanks