Starting problem

[John sport trak]

my friend drove my ST for 3 yrs.
now it seems the shifter is so loose it almost skips position on the automatic shifter lever.
Well it started this intermitant starting thing if it isnt in park exactly. Sometimes it works if i go from nutural to park hard and fast, not generally a good idea but what do you do if it wont start and sometimes it fixes it.
The key switch seems fine.
No lights issues like anti theft and such, and bat. Is good.
Any ideas anyone?
I got the one, get new friends!
John

 

[sr139fox]

The bushings in the shift column are worn. Replace bushing or get a used one from the salvage yard. My old F150 had a similar issue. Column was easy to swap out. Dave