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I would change to the floor console that came on a truck with the column shift so you get an extra cubby hole rather than trying to convert the shift linkage.
However, I can't remember a time after about 2001 that I needed somebody to sit in the middle of a front bench seat.
I’ve never had anyone sit in middle, so not a primary reason I prefer it. Although it is nice to know there is a legal and safe extra space there if ever needed.