I had a sloppy shifter problem with my '86.  There are (4)  10mm nuts that
hold the shifter base to the body.  These slowly worked themselves loose
until the shift lever would move around so much you couldn't find anything.
Eventually, the van was stuck in second gear.  I was able to drive it home
that way.  I replaced the four nuts and all was well.  See if you have any
up and down slop in the shifter.  If so, drop the spare and check those
nuts!  It cost me less than a dollar to pick up new nuts and lock washers.
                                                             Jay