This is a throwback to days gone past. A longer shifter column provided more leverage when having trouble getting the gears to mesh together. Today's transmissions are much smoother and easier to shift.
Your reference to "ape hangers" on a bike is accurate. The longer shifter column serves no purpose in modern trucks, but it is a symbol for O/O's that says, "Hey look at me - I am The Man!"
Silly is what they are. "Let's add something else to the limited space of the cab so we can trip over it!" What a great idea...
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Hi all, I'm sitting next to a truck and his shifter is taller than his head. What is the purpose of this and are there any advantages or disadvantages to this or is it just a personal preference like ape hangers on a bike?