1996 Ford F250 diesel 9.3 Power Stroke. Cruise control only works with the steering column in the highest up position. RPM's run at 2000 rpm in up position. Drop tilt down and rpms drop to 1500 rpms at approx 55 mph.

 

Let's say we suspect a problem with the wiring in the column. That is all well and good , but now before starting a tear down, we need to prove that is what is happening. That will take a little effort and testing . Until that theory is confirmed to be the case, we can only guess.

When the cruise drops, do you see any type signal on the dash indicating it has disconnected and the cruse or set lamp goes out?

 

I'll have to drive it again to see if the lights on the dash go out. It's just weird that the rpms change when I move the tilt too.

 

Trying to picture this.
The load on the engine when cruise is interrupted.
How does it know to resume ? Might be more going on here than first thought.