Non-US models have the internal cut keys, and at least when I ordered mine were still available (obviously). The one thing I did not get was the glove box lock as part of the kit. If you have your glove box lock (with internal cut key) I would buy it off you in hopes I could match it to the set...
Do you have a dial caliper set? Or some other kind of similar measuring device? If so, check the movement (or lack there of) of the plunger. As it has already been said, the movement is very fine. But it should not be so fine that you cannot pick up a single step, even with the cheapest of dial...
Without hubs, I would guess the front is always turning. The shifter just controls wither it is under power or not. Put it on the lift and give the front driveline a spin by hand in the different positions.