2008 5.4K SCREW. My shifter has become rather 'sloppy'. It just seems to have an issue properly selecting the gear. When I go from D to R, sometimes I have to fiddle with the shifter to get the tranny to physically shift into reverse. Same for going from P or R into D. Tonight, I selected D, but it was actually in 2. Each time, cycling the shifter clears the issue. I don't know how to explain it. It's just lost the precision. Any ideas?

 

There may be a plastic bushing at the trans end of that cable that is worn and needs to be replaced.
FOrdtechmakuloco on YouTube has a how to video for it, using a dorman bushing to repair it.
However, I think there are more than. 1 version of cable so it may or may not be your issue.

 

^^^ This ^^^

 

I found that video last night. Checked out mine and. Sure enough, half the bushing is missing. Hopefully my local Autozone has the Dorman kit.

 

Followed the info in FordTechMakuloco's video. Got the Dorman kit PN: 14057 at AdvanceAuto. Cost me $15 vs $10 from Amazon, but I got the part today instead of waiting until Amazon could deliver. Install was easy. Like FordTech says, the orange retaining plug in the kit will secure the bushing to the shaft, but the OEM plug fits much more firmly. Luckily, I was able to salvage mine and reuse it.
Thanks for the helping hand!

 

Thanks for the fix pics !